The website dedicated to women's football across the country, at ALL levels of the game

@en

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Back to home page

Controversial defeat for Northern Ireland

Turkey 2 (Pekel 26, Seker 48) Northern Ireland 1 (Bell pen 45)

Northern Ireland were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Turkey in a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifier in Istanbul on Saturday evening, although a controversial non-sending off was to eventually lead to their downfall.

After absorbing early pressure in warm conditions at the Siltas Yapi Pendik Stadyumu, Northern Ireland grew into the contest and were unfortunate to lose by the odd goal in three following a determined performance. Megan Bell’s well-taken penalty levelled the scores before half-time, but an early second-half header from Busem Seker – who was fortunate to remain on the pitch after handling the ball on the goal line – proved decisive for the hosts.

It was the penultimate fixture for both sides in League B Group 2 of the European qualifiers for the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

Manager Michael McArdle made three changes to the side that defeated Malta 4-2 in April. Defender Fi Morgan earned only her second cap and first senior start in nearly three years, while experienced midfielder Nadene Caldwell and young talent Mia Moore also came into the starting XI. Brenna McPartlan and Keri Halliday dropped to the bench, with Rebecca Holloway unavailable through suspension.

Turkey started strongly and pinned Northern Ireland back. Goalkeeper Jackie Burns produced two outstanding saves in the opening 16 minutes, first pushing a flicked header from Selen Altunkulak onto the bar and then turning another diving header from the same player onto the post.

Northern Ireland began to create chances of their own and on 18 minutes, Moore played a delightful pass for Lauren Wade, whose low shot was gathered by goalkeeper Gamze Yaman. Wade then delivered a dangerous cross that Leyla McFarland could not quite convert.

The hosts took the lead on 25 minutes when captain Ebru Topcu fed Melike Pekel, who advanced and curled a superb effort into the top corner. Topcu went close again shortly afterwards, her long range shot flashing just past the post.

Northern Ireland deservedly equalised six minutes before the break. Bell’s corner caused chaos in the six yard area, and the ball deflected off Morgan towards goal. Seker stopped it on the line with her hand, resulting in a penalty. Remarkably, the Turkish player received only a yellow card before Bell stepped up and confidently dispatched the kick into the top corner.

Turkey regained the lead just two minutes into the second half. Altunkulak closed down Burns during a clearance, won the ball, and crossed to the back post where Seker - of all people - headed home.

Burns made another comfortable save from Pekel on 51 minutes as Northern Ireland enjoyed a spell of possession and pushed the hosts back. However, clear opportunities remained scarce.

Substitute Aimee Kerr had a header blocked under pressure, while Turkish substitute Kader Hancar sent a header into the side netting at the other end. Northern Ireland continued to press, with Joely Andrews firing efforts over and wide, but they could not find a way through.

In added time, substitutes Brenna McPartlan and Ellie Mason both went close, before Danielle Maxwell was denied by a smart save from Yaman after breaking clear.

Switzerland’s victory over Malta earlier in the evening secured top spot in the group. Turkey’s win ensured second place, while Northern Ireland, Switzerland and Turkey will all now enter two rounds of play-offs in October and November/December for a place at the 2027 World Cup.

Northern Ireland face unbeaten Switzerland in their final group fixture on Tuesday 9 June at Mourneview Park in Lurgan.

Turkey: Gamze Yaman, Fatma Sakar, Ilayda Civelek (sub Vidan Kardesler 77mins), Meryem Kucukbirinci, Eda Karatas, Cansu Kaya (sub Halle Houssein 90mins), Melike Pekel (sub Melike Ozturk 90mins), Selen Altunkulak (sub Ece Turkoglu 70mins), Busem Seker, Ebru Topcu, Miray Cin (sub Kader Hancar 77mins). Subs not used: Selda Akgoz, Goknur Guleryuz, Ipek Kaya, Arzu Karabulut, Kezban Tag, Ece Tekmen, Gulbin Hiz.

Northern Ireland: Jackie Burns, Rebecca McKenna, Lauren Wade (sub Cora Chambers 78mins), Ellie Mason, Fi Morgan, Natalie Johnson, Joely Andrews, Nadene Caldwell (sub Brenna McPartlan 64mins), Leyla McFarland (sub Casey Howe 45mins), Megan Bell (sub Danielle Maxwell 45mins), Mia Moore (sub Aimee Kerr 64mins). Subs not used: Lauren Perry, Maddy Harvey-Clifford, Abi Sweetlove, Keri Halliday, Kelsie Burrows, Emily Cassap.