Women's World Cup qualifying: Northern Ireland set for Malta double-header

Michael McArdle's side are at Mourneview Park tonight

The Northern Ireland Women's Senior squad train at Mourneview Park in Lurgan ahead of their World Cup qualifier with Malta

Author: Nigel GouldPublished 14th Apr 2026

Northern Ireland are hosting Malta tonight (Tuesday) in the first of their Women's World Cup qualifying double-header.

New boss Michael McArdle will take charge of the side for the first time.

He has picked a 23-strong squad for both games (the away leg takes place on Saturday).

Michael McArdle takes a training session with his NI Senior Women's side at Mourneview Park

Tonight's game takes place at Glenavon's ground - Mourneview Park in Lurgan.

Hearts Women midfielder Joely Andrews is back in the Northern Ireland squad after missing last month’s World Cup qualifiers through injury.

Andrews, who has 33 senior caps, last played for her country in the two UEFA Women’s Nations League play-off games against Iceland back in October.

There’s also one new face in the squad in Linfield Women striker Cora Chambers, who previously played for Northern Ireland at U19 level as well as for a U16 development side.

The game kicks off at 7pm.