Northern Ireland national football team

Last updated

Northern Ireland
Nickname(s) Green and White Army,
Norn Iron
Association Irish Football Association (IFA)
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coach Michael O'Neill
Captain Jonny Evans
Most caps Steven Davis (140)
Top scorer David Healy (36)
Home stadium Windsor Park
FIFA code NIR
Kit left arm nir24h.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body nir24h.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm nir24h.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts nir24h.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
First colours
Kit left arm nir24a.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body nir24a.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm nir24a.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts nir24a.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 73 Increase2.svg 1 (4 April 2024) [1]
Highest20 (September 2017)
Lowest129 (September 2012)
First international
Saint Patrick's Saltire.svg  Ireland 0–13 England  Flag of England.svg
(Belfast, Ireland; 18 February 1882)
as Northern Ireland [note 1]
Ulster Banner.svg  Ireland 1–4 England  Flag of England.svg
(Belfast, Northern Ireland; 7 October 1950)
Flag of France (1794-1815, 1830-1958).svg  France 3–1 Northern Ireland  Ulster Banner.svg
(Colombes, France; 11 November 1952)
Biggest win
Saint Patrick's Saltire.svg  Ireland 7–0 Wales  Flag of Wales (1807-1953).svg
(Belfast, Ireland; 1 February 1930)
as Northern Ireland
Ulster Banner.svg  Northern Ireland 5–0 Cyprus  Flag of Cyprus.svg
(Belfast, Northern Ireland; 21 April 1971)
Flag of the Faroe Islands.svg  Faroe Islands 0–5 Northern Ireland  Ulster Banner.svg
(Landskrona, Sweden; 11 September 1991)
Biggest defeat
Saint Patrick's Saltire.svg  Ireland 0–13 England  Flag of England.svg
(Belfast, Ireland; 18 February 1882)
as Northern Ireland
Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 6–0 Northern Ireland  Ulster Banner.svg
(Amsterdam, Netherlands; 2 June 2012)
World Cup
Appearances3 (first in 1958 )
Best resultQuarter-finals (1958)
European Championship
Appearances1 (first in 2016 )
Best resultRound of 16 (2016)

The Northern Ireland men's national football team represents Northern Ireland in international association football. From 1882 to 1950, all of Ireland was represented by a single side, the Ireland national football team, organised by the Irish Football Association (IFA). In 1921, the jurisdiction of the IFA was reduced to Northern Ireland following the secession of clubs in the soon-to-be Irish Free State, although its team remained the national team for all of Ireland until 1950, and used the name Ireland until the 1970s. [2] [note 2] The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) organises the separate Republic of Ireland national football team.

Contents

Although part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland has always had a representative side that plays in major professional tournaments – whether alongside the rest of Ireland pre-1922 or as its own entity – though not in the Olympic Games, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has always recognised United Kingdom representative sides.

Northern Ireland has competed in three FIFA World Cups, reaching the quarter-final stage in the 1958 and 1982 tournaments. Northern Ireland held the accolade of being the smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup Finals from their first appearance in 1958 until 2006, when Trinidad and Tobago qualified for the 2006 World Cup. At UEFA Euro 2016, the team made its first appearance at the European tournament and reached the round of 16. Northern Ireland last qualified for the World Cup in 1986.

History

On 18 February 1882, 15 months after the founding of the Irish FA, Ireland made their international debut against England, losing 13–0 in a friendly played at Bloomfield in Belfast. This remains the record defeat for the team, and also England's largest winning margin. On 25 February 1882, Ireland played their second international, against Wales at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, and an equaliser from Johnston became Ireland's first ever goal.

In 1884, Ireland competed in the inaugural British Home Championship and lost all three games. Ireland did not win their first game until 19 February 1887, a 4–1 win over Wales in Belfast. Between their debut and this game, they had a run of 14 defeats and 1 draw, the longest run without a win in the 1800s. Despite the end of this run, heavy defeats continued. On 3 March 1888, they lost 11–0 to Wales and three weeks later, on 24 March, lost 10–2 to Scotland. Further heavy defeats came on 15 March 1890 when they lost 9–1 to England, on 18 February 1899 when they lost 13–2 to England and on 2 February 1901 when they lost 11–0 to Scotland.

In 1899, the Irish FA also changed its rules governing the selection of non-resident players. Before then the Ireland team selected its players exclusively from the Irish League, in particular the three Belfast-based clubs Linfield, Cliftonville and Distillery. On 4 March 1899, for the match against Wales, McAteer included four Irish players based in England. The change in policy produced dividends as Ireland won 1–0. Three weeks later, on 25 March, one of these four players, Archie Goodall, aged 34 years and 279 days, became the oldest player to score in international football during the 19th century when he scored Ireland's goal in a 9–1 defeat to Scotland.

In 1920, Ireland was partitioned into Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. In 1922, Southern Ireland gained independence as the Irish Free State, later to become a republic under the name of Ireland. Amid these political upheavals, a rival football association, the Football Association of Ireland, emerged in Dublin in 1921 and organised a separate league and international team. In 1923, at a time when the home nations had withdrawn from FIFA, the FAI was recognised by FIFA as the governing body of the Irish Free State on the condition that it changed its name to the Football Association of the Irish Free State. The Irish FA continued to organise its national team on an all-Ireland basis.

Between 1928 and 1946, the IFA were not affiliated to FIFA and the two Ireland teams co-existed, never competing in the same competition. On 8 March 1950, however, in a 0–0 draw with Wales at the Racecourse Ground in a FIFA World Cup qualifier, the IFA fielded a team that included four players who were born in the Irish Free State. All four players had previously played for the FAI in their qualifiers and as a result had played for two different associations in the same FIFA World Cup tournament.

After complaints from the FAI, FIFA intervened and restricted players' eligibility based on the political border. In 1953 FIFA ruled neither team could be referred to as Ireland, decreeing that the FAI team be officially designated as the Republic of Ireland, while the IFA team was to become Northern Ireland.

Past performances

British Home Championship

Until the 1950s, the major competition for Northern Ireland/Ireland was the British Home Championship. The team won the competition eight times, taking the title outright on three occasions. They were the last winners of the now defunct competition held in 1984, and hence still are the British champions, and the trophy remains the property of the Irish FA. [6]

FIFA World Cup

Danny Blanchflower (left) captained Northern Ireland at the 1958 FIFA World Cup, while George Best (right), winner of the 1968 Ballon d'Or, never reached a major international tournament with the team Aankomst Noordierse elftal op Zestienhoven; trainer Blanchflower en George Best (r).jpg
Danny Blanchflower (left) captained Northern Ireland at the 1958 FIFA World Cup, while George Best (right), winner of the 1968 Ballon d'Or, never reached a major international tournament with the team

Northern Ireland's best World Cup performance was in their first appearance in the finals, the 1958 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals after beating Czechoslovakia 2–1 in the play-off. They were knocked out by France, losing 4–0. In the 1958 competition, Northern Ireland became the least populous country to have qualified for the World Cup, a record that stood until Trinidad and Tobago qualified for the 2006 World Cup. Northern Ireland remains, however, the least populous country to have qualified for more than one World Cup finals tournament, to win a World Cup finals match, and to have progressed from the first round of the World Cup finals.

Captain of the national side at the 1958 World Cup was Danny Blanchflower, who also captained Tottenham Hotspur in the English league and was twice footballer of the year in England. His younger brother Jackie was also a key member of the national team, and won two league titles in England with Manchester United, until his career was ended by injuries suffered in the Munich air disaster of February 1958.

Despite the presence of world class forward George Best, another Manchester United player, for the 1960s and 1970s, Northern Ireland failed to qualify for any major tournaments.

Northern Ireland also qualified for the 1982 World Cup. Their opening game was against Yugoslavia at La Romareda stadium in Zaragoza. It was the international debut of 17-year-old Norman Whiteside, who became the youngest player ever in the World Cup finals, a record that still stands. The game finished goalless. Five days later, they drew 1–1 with Honduras, which was a disappointment, and many believed had doomed Northern Ireland's chances of advancing in the competition. [7] They needed a win against hosts Spain in the third and final group game at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia. They faced a partisan atmosphere with a mostly Spanish crowd and a Spanish-speaking referee in Héctor Ortiz who was unwilling to punish dirty play from the Spanish players. [8] A mistake from Spain goalkeeper Luis Arconada, however, gifted Gerry Armstrong the only goal of the game, and despite having Mal Donaghy sent off on 60 minutes, Northern Ireland went on to record a historic 1–0 win and top the first stage group.

A 2–2 draw with Austria at the Vicente Calderón Stadium meant that a win against France would take them into the semi-finals, however, a French team inspired by Michel Platini won 4–1 and eliminated Northern Ireland from the competition.

They also qualified for the 1986 World Cup where they went out in the Group stages. [9] Billy Bingham, a member of the 1958 squad, was manager for both of these tournaments. They have not qualified for any other World Cups since.

Recent history

The Our Wee Country mural in east Belfast commemorating Northern Ireland beating England at home in 2005. NI murals NI football.jpg
The Our Wee Country mural in east Belfast commemorating Northern Ireland beating England at home in 2005.

Lawrie Sanchez was appointed in January 2004 after a run of 13 games without a goal under the previous manager Sammy McIlroy, which was a European record for any international team until San Marino went over 20 games without scoring between October 2008 and August 2012. That run ended after his first game in charge, a 1–4 loss to Norway in a friendly in February 2004. The run of 16 games without a win ended after his second game, a 1–0 victory in a friendly over Estonia, with a largely experimental side, in March 2004.

On 7 September 2005, Northern Ireland beat England 1–0 in a 2006 World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park. David Healy scored the winner in the 73rd minute. Almost a year later, on 6 September 2006, Northern Ireland defeated Spain 3–2 in a qualifier for UEFA Euro 2008, with Healy scoring a hat-trick. In June 2007, Nigel Worthington was named manager in the place of Lawrie Sanchez, who took over at Fulham. Initially, Worthington took over until the end of the Euro 2008 qualifiers, but was later given a contract until the end of the Euro 2012 qualifiers. Michael O'Neill became manager in February 2012 after Worthington had resigned in October 2011 after a poor Euro 2012 qualification campaign.

The Northern Ireland team qualified for its first ever UEFA European Championship, Euro 2016 in France, after beating Greece 3–1 at Windsor Park on 8 October 2015. [10] At the tournament, Northern Ireland were beaten 1–0 by Poland on 20 June 2016 followed by a 2–0 win against Ukraine on 16 June 2016 and finally a 1–0 loss against Germany in the group stage. That was enough to qualify for a Round of 16 spot where they lost 1–0 to Wales due to an unfortunate own goal by Gareth McAuley. [11]

Stadium

Windsor Park before the 2015 redevelopment - a view from the Kop Stand, showing the two-tiered North Stand and the low Railway stand behind the opposite goal Windsor Park football stadium - Empty.JPG
Windsor Park before the 2015 redevelopment – a view from the Kop Stand, showing the two-tiered North Stand and the low Railway stand behind the opposite goal

Northern Ireland play their home matches at Windsor Park, Belfast, home of Linfield, which they have use of on a 108-year lease, giving the owners 15% of revenue, including gate receipts and TV rights. [12]

There was a proposal to build a multisports stadium for Northern Ireland at the disused Maze prison outside Lisburn for the use of Rugby, Gaelic games and football. [13] This plan was given an "in principle" go-ahead by the Irish Football Association. However, it was opposed by fans, over 85% of whom in a match day poll conducted by the Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs ("AONISC") preferred to stay at a smaller new or redeveloped ground in the city of Belfast. [14] The AONISC organised a protest against the move to the Maze at the game against Estonia in March 2006.

The issue assumed ever greater urgency by 2007, following a series of inspections which questioned the suitability of Windsor Park to host international football. [15] Following a reduction of capacity due to the closure of the Railway Stand, the IFA made it known that they wished to terminate their contract for the use of the stadium. [16] A report on health and safety in October 2007 indicated that the South Stand might have to be closed for internationals, which would further reduce the stadium's capacity to 9,000. [17] In April 2008, Belfast City Council announced that they had commissioned Drivers Jonas to conduct a feasibility study into the building of a Sports Stadium in Belfast which could accommodate international football, which was followed at the beginning of May 2008 by speculation that the Maze Stadium project was going to be radically revised by Peter Robinson, the finance and personnel minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly, so that any construction might be used for purposes other than football, rugby union and Gaelic games. Given the time that is needed to build a new stadium, in the absence of significant work improving Windsor Park, it seemed to be likely that Northern Ireland might be forced to play their home games at a venue outside Northern Ireland for a period.

In March 2009, proposals were announced for the construction of a new 25,000-seat stadium in the Sydenham area of East Belfast as an alternative to the Maze proposal. This would form part of a major development, with links to both George Best Belfast City Airport and the Bangor railway line. The development would also include a hotel, and retail/leisure areas. The stadium itself would be used for both football and rugby union, with Glentoran and Ulster Rugby intended as tenants. Ulster GAA, however, who were a partner in the Maze proposal, stated that in the event of a new stadium being built in East Belfast, which is a major unionist area, their preference would then be to remain at Casement Park in nationalist west Belfast. [18]

The new redeveloped Windsor Park. View from the Kop (West Stand) with only the corner between the West & North stands yet to be completed. Windsor Park redevelopment .jpg
The new redeveloped Windsor Park. View from the Kop (West Stand) with only the corner between the West & North stands yet to be completed.

The IFA were initially non-committal about any of the proposals for improving their facilities, be it rebuilding Windsor Park, or supporting either the Maze or Sydenham proposals. In September 2009, however, they issued an announcement in favour of the redevelopment of Windsor Park. [19] Although there were no specifics to this, Linfield had previously released a study with two proposals, of which the major one would be a £20 million rebuilding of the stadium, raising the spectator capacity to 20,000. [20] In 2011, the Northern Ireland Executive allocated £138 million for a major programme of stadium redevelopment throughout Northern Ireland, with £28 million allocated to the redevelopment of Windsor Park. [21] In June 2012, further details of the stadium's redevelopment were released. The plan was to redevelop Windsor Park into an 18,000 all-seater stadium with a series of phased works originally intended to begin in the summer of 2013. The redevelopment would include the demolition of the existing East and South Stand structures, to be replaced by new purpose built stands that would partially enclose the stadium; complete renovation of the existing North and West Stands; and construction of both new conferencing facilities and a new headquarters facility for the IFA. [22]

In February 2013, planning permission for the redevelopment was granted. The cost of the project was estimated to be around £29.2 million, of which £25.2 million would come from government funding. It was initially planned for the work to begin in September 2013. [23] Two months later, however, Irish Premiership club Crusaders began legal proceedings to have the process judicially reviewed. As owners of the site, rivals Linfield were in line to receive not only a redeveloped stadium, but also £200,000 per annum from the IFA in land rent instead of the existing agreement which entitled Linfield to 15% of match revenue. Crusaders believed this to be against European Union competition law as well as a form of state aid towards Linfield. [24] In a hearing that took place on 22 May 2013, Crusaders' request was granted. It was ruled that it was a possibility for the redevelopment to be classed as state aid towards Linfield. The aspect of the challenge concerning competition law, however, was dismissed. [25]

Northern Ireland team in 2021 Northern Ireland national football team in 2021.jpg
Northern Ireland team in 2021

In July 2013, Crusaders agreed to a possible settlement brought forward by the judicial review. The details of the settlement were not made public, but Crusaders said that it had the "potential to benefit the entirety of the football family". [26] In September 2013, sports minister Carál Ní Chuilín said that she was still committed to making sure the redevelopment went ahead as scheduled, after previously stating that she would not sign off on the funding until the IFA resolved "governance issues" surrounding David Martin's return to the role of deputy president. [27] In December 2013, three months after the work was originally scheduled to begin, the redevelopment was finally given the green light. The sports minister signed off on £31 million to complete the project. The redevelopment finally got under way on 6 May 2014 after the 2013–14 domestic season had finished, eight months later than originally planned. The work was completed in 2015. [28]

Team image

Colours

Northern Ireland traditionally wears green shirts, white shorts and green socks. The kit has been manufactured by Adidas since 2012. Prior to this, the kit was manufactured by Umbro.

Kit suppliers

Kit providerPeriod
Umbro logo (current).svg
Flag of England.svg Umbro
1975–1977
Original Adidas logo.svg
Flag of Germany.svg Adidas
1977–1990
Umbro logo (current).svg
Flag of England.svg Umbro
1990–1994
Asics Logo.svg
Flag of Japan.svg Asics
1994–1998
Olympics Sportswear.jpg
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Olympic Sportswear
1998–1999
Patrick-logo.png
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Patrick
1999–2004
Umbro logo (current).svg
Flag of England.svg Umbro
2004–2012
Adidas isologo.svg
Flag of Germany.svg Adidas
2012–

Supporters

The Green and White Army GAWA.jpg
The Green and White Army

The Green and White Army is the name given to the fans that follow the Northern Ireland national football team.

Since the defeat of England in 2005, there has been an increased demand for tickets exceeding supply. [29] Tongue-in-cheek songs such as "We're not Brazil, we're Northern Ireland" (sung to the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic, an American Civil War song), "It's Just Like Watching Brazil" and "Stand up for the Ulstermen" are popular at home matches.

One of the first footballing celebrities was former Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer George Best. The 1968 European Footballer of the Year, Best won 37 caps and scored 9 goals for his country. [30]

Leading up to the Euro 2016, YouTuber Sean Kennedy released the song "Will Grigg's on Fire", a parody about Northern Irish national Will Grigg to the tune of "Freed From Desire" by Gala. The song became a popular chant and internet sensation. A studio version was released by London-based production duo Blonde, going on to reach number seven in the iTunes UK Top 100. [31]

Historic controversy over sectarianism

Former captain Neil Lennon retired from international football due to sectarian death threats Neil lennon and excalibur.jpg
Former captain Neil Lennon retired from international football due to sectarian death threats

A small element of Northern Ireland's support was, in the past, regarded as sectarian. [32]

In 2000 the IFA launched the "Football For All" campaign to tackle sectarianism and racism at Northern Ireland games. Michael Boyd, the director of football development at the IFA, recalled how the team struggled to even get a sponsor for their kit because the image of Northern Irish football was so poor. [33] Attendance at matches was low; at a 1999 game against France, then reigning World Cup champions, IFA could not sell out the ground and there were problems with "sectarian singing and racist abuse." [33] Neil Lennon, a Roman Catholic Celtic player who had been subject to sectarian abuse from Northern Ireland fans while playing for Northern Ireland in Windsor Park, was issued a death threat by Loyalists and retired from international football in 2002 as a result. [34] Former Security Minister Jane Kennedy said the threat against Lennon 'disgraced Northern Ireland in the eyes of the world' and widened the divide between the association and Catholic players and supporters. [33] However, the incident represented a turning point in the campaign against sectarianism in the IFA which had seen slow progress in the previous two years. [33]

Steps taken to eradicate the sectarian element within the support have been successful. [35] Lennon has been quick to praise these initiatives. [36] He also praised the "Football For All" Outstanding Achievement Award Winner Stewart MacAfee [37] for the work he has done to create a more inclusive atmosphere at international games.

People like Stewart are the unsung heroes who have been brave enough to challenge sectarianism and who have actively created a more fun, safe and family-orientated atmosphere at international games. Fans like Stewart have made the atmosphere at Northern Ireland football games in recent years the envy of Fans across not only Europe but World football. From a personal point of view I would like to thank them for their efforts.

Neil Lennon

In 2006, Northern Ireland's supporters were awarded the Brussels International Supporters Award [38] for their charity work, general good humour and behaviour and efforts to stamp out sectarianism. Representatives of the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs received the award from UEFA and EU representatives prior to the Northern Ireland–Spain game at Windsor Park in September 2006.

Northern Ireland Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín, the first senior Sinn Féin representative to attend an international at Windsor Park, commended "the very real efforts that have been made by the IFA to tackle sectarianism at their matches" after a match in August 2011. [39] Twenty years after Lennon's resignation, Northern Ireland international games regularly sell out and women and children were "noticeable" amongst the spectators. [33]

Media coverage

Premier Sports currently have the rights to show all of Northern Ireland's competitive international fixtures up until 2024. [40]

Highlights of qualifiers are shown on BBC Northern Ireland with rights to World Cup Finals and European Championships held jointly by BBC and ITV - both channels shared coverage of Northern Ireland's games at Euro 2016.

Dating from the 1960s, Northern Ireland's games were shown live on BBC Northern Ireland, with highlights on network BBC via Sportsnight until the rights to home games were sold to Sky in 2007. [41] In May 2013, Sky acquired the rights to all Northern Ireland qualifying games for UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. [42] From 2008 to 2013, BBC Northern Ireland held the rights to highlights of all of Northern Ireland's home international qualifiers. But in May 2013, ITV secured a deal to show highlights of the European Qualifiers for Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, including Northern Ireland games, between 2014 and 2017.

In 2015, BBC Northern Ireland acquired the live rights to show Northern Ireland's friendlies in the run-up to UEFA Euro 2016, but the next two subsequent home friendlies against Croatia and New Zealand were shown on Premier Sports/eirSport until the contract ended before the 2018 World Cup.

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win  Draw  Loss  Fixture

2023

16 June UEFA Euro 2024 Group H Qualifier Denmark  Flag of Denmark.svg1–0Ulster Banner.svg  Northern Ireland Copenhagen, Denmark
19:45 BST
Match 679
Wind Soccerball shade.svg47' Report Stadium: Parken Stadium
Attendance: 35,701
Referee: Daniel Stefański (Poland)
19 June UEFA Euro 2024 Group H Qualifier Northern Ireland  Ulster Banner.svg0–1Flag of Kazakhstan.svg  Kazakhstan Belfast, Northern Ireland
19:45 BST
Match 680
Report Aymbetov Soccerball shade.svg88'Stadium: Windsor Park
Attendance: 18,002
Referee: Roi Reinshreiber (Israel)
7 September UEFA Euro 2024 Group H Qualifier Slovenia  Flag of Slovenia.svg4–2Ulster Banner.svg  Northern Ireland Ljubljana, Slovenia
19:45 BST
Match 681
Šporar Soccerball shade.svg3', 56'
Evans Soccerball shade.svg17' (o.g.)
Šeško Soccerball shade.svg42'
Report Price Soccerball shade.svg7'
Evans Soccerball shade.svg53'
Stadium: Stožice Stadium
Attendance: 12,587
Referee: Marco Guida (Italy)
10 September UEFA Euro 2024 Group H Qualifier Kazakhstan  Flag of Kazakhstan.svg1–0Ulster Banner.svg  Northern Ireland Astana, Kazakhstan
14:00 BST
Match 682
Samorodov Soccerball shade.svg27' Report Stadium: Astana Arena
Attendance: 28,458
Referee: Daniel Schlager (Germany)
14 October UEFA Euro 2024 Group H Qualifier Northern Ireland  Ulster Banner.svg3–0Flag of San Marino.svg  San Marino Belfast, Northern Ireland
14:00 BST
Match 683
Smyth Soccerball shade.svg5'
Magennis Soccerball shade.svg11'
McMenamin Soccerball shade.svg81'
Report Stadium: Windsor Park
Attendance: 17,886
Referee: Bram Van Driessche (Belgium)
17 October UEFA Euro 2024 Group H Qualifier Northern Ireland  Ulster Banner.svg0–1Flag of Slovenia.svg  Slovenia Belfast, Northern Ireland
19:45 BST
Match 684
Report Gnezda Čerin Soccerball shade.svg5'Stadium: Windsor Park
Attendance: 16,332
Referee: István Kovács (Romania)
17 November UEFA Euro 2024 Group H Qualifier Finland  Flag of Finland.svg4–0Ulster Banner.svg  Northern Ireland Helsinki, Finland
17:00 GMT
Match 685
Pohjanpalo Soccerball shade.svg42' (pen.)
Håkans Soccerball shade.svg48'
Pukki Soccerball shade.svg73'
Lod Soccerball shade.svg88'
Report Stadium: Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Attendance: 28,711
Referee: Aliyar Aghayev (Azerbaijan)
20 November UEFA Euro 2024 Group H Qualifier Northern Ireland  Ulster Banner.svg2–0Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark Belfast, Northern Ireland
19:45 GMT
Match 686
Price Soccerball shade.svg60'
Charles Soccerball shade.svg81'
Report Stadium: Windsor Park
Attendance: 17,366
Referee: Jérôme Brisard (France)

2024

22 March Friendly Romania  Flag of Romania.svg1–1Ulster Banner.svg  Northern Ireland Bucharest, Romania
19:45 GMT
Match 687
Man Soccerball shade.svg23' Report Reid Soccerball shade.svg7'Stadium: Arena Națională
Attendance: 30,439
Referee: Kristoffer Karlsson (Sweden)
26 March Friendly Scotland  Flag of Scotland.svg0–1Ulster Banner.svg  Northern Ireland Glasgow, Scotland
19:45 GMT
Match 688
Report Bradley Soccerball shade.svg32'Stadium: Hampden Park
Referee: Robert Jones (England)
5 September 2024–25 UEFA Nations League C Northern Ireland  Ulster Banner.svgvFlag of Luxembourg.svg  Luxembourg Belfast, Northern Ireland
19:45 BST
Match 689
Stadium: Windsor Park
8 September 2024–25 UEFA Nations League C Bulgaria  Flag of Bulgaria.svgvUlster Banner.svg  Northern Ireland Bulgaria
17:00 BST
Match 690
15 October 2024–25 UEFA Nations League C Northern Ireland  Ulster Banner.svgvFlag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria Belfast, Northern Ireland
19:45 BST
Match 692
Stadium: Windsor Park
15 November 2024–25 UEFA Nations League C Northern Ireland  Ulster Banner.svgvFlag of Belarus.svg  Belarus Belfast, Northern Ireland
19:45 GMT
Match 693
Stadium: Windsor Park

Coaching staff

Current coaching staff

As of 20 March 2023
PositionName
Manager Ulster Banner.svg Michael O'Neill
Assistant Manager Ulster Banner.svg Jimmy Nicholl
Senior Coach Ulster Banner.svg Aaron Hughes
Senior Coach Flag of Ireland.svg Diarmuid O'Carroll
Goalkeeping Coach Flag of England.svg David Rouse
Team Doctor Ulster Banner.svg David White
Head Physiotherapist Ulster Banner.svg Caroline Woods
Physiotherapists Ulster Banner.svg Darren McMaster
Ulster Banner.svg Neil McCullough
Sports Scientist Ulster Banner.svg Ricky McCann
Analyst Ulster Banner.svg Matthew Crawford
Equipment Manager Ulster Banner.svg Raymond Millar
Equipment Assistants Ulster Banner.svg Stevie Ferguson
Ulster Banner.svg Colin McGiffert

Manager history

  Current manager highlighted in green

Last updated after match against Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland on 26 March 2024.

ManagerFirst GameLast GamePldWDLGFGAGDWin %Draw %Loss %
Ulster Banner.svg Irish FA Selection Committee 18 February 1882 vs. Flag of England.svg 12 May 1951 vs. Flag of France (1794-1815, 1830-1958).svg 1772927121200568-36816.39%15.25%68.36%
Ulster Banner.svg Peter Doherty 6 October 1951 vs. Flag of Scotland.svg 9 May 1962 vs. Flag of the Netherlands.svg 519142867119-5217.65%27.45%54.90%
Ulster Banner.svg Bertie Peacock 10 October 1962 vs. Flag of Poland (1928-1980).svg 12 April 1967 vs. Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg 28114134654-839.29%14.29%46.42%
Ulster Banner.svg Billy Bingham 21 October 1967 vs. Flag of Scotland.svg 22 May 1971 vs. Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg 208392422+240.00%15.00%45.00%
Ulster Banner.svg Terry Neill 22 September 1971 vs. Flag of the Soviet Union.svg 30 October 1974 vs. Flag of Sweden.svg 206681618-230.00%30.00%40.00%
Ulster Banner.svg Dave Clements 16 April 1975 vs. Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg 14 May 1976 vs. Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg 11326715-827.27%18.18%54.55%
Ulster Banner.svg Danny Blanchflower 13 October 1976 vs. Flag of the Netherlands.svg 21 November 1979 vs. Flag of Ireland.svg 2465131938-1925.00%20.83%54.17%
Ulster Banner.svg Billy Bingham 26 March 1980 vs. Flag of Israel.svg 17 November 1993 vs. Flag of Ireland.svg 9832313591107-1632.65%31.64%35.71%
Ulster Banner.svg Bryan Hamilton 23 March 1994 vs. Flag of Romania.svg 11 October 1997 vs. Flag of Portugal.svg 3188153441-725.81%25.81%48.38%
Flag of England.svg Lawrie McMenemy 25 March 1998 vs. Flag of Slovakia.svg 9 October 1999 vs. Flag of Finland.svg 14437925-1628.57%21.43%50.00%
Ulster Banner.svg Sammy McIlroy 23 February 2000 vs. Flag of Luxembourg.svg 11 October 2003 vs. Flag of Greece.svg 2957171940-2117.24%24.14%58.62%
Ulster Banner.svg Lawrie Sanchez 18 February 2004 vs. Flag of Norway.svg 28 March 2007 vs. Flag of Sweden.svg 321110113542-734.38%31.24%34.38%
Ulster Banner.svg Nigel Worthington 22 August 2007 vs. Flag of Liechtenstein.svg 11 October 2011 vs. Flag of Italy.svg 41910223555-2021.95%24.39%53.66%
Ulster Banner.svg Michael O'Neill 29 February 2012 vs. Flag of Norway.svg 19 November 2019 vs. Flag of Germany.svg 722618287583-836.11%25.00%38.89%
Flag of England.svg Ian Baraclough 4 September 2020 vs. Flag of Romania.svg 27 September 2022 vs. Flag of Greece.svg 2868142736-921.43%28.57%50.00%
Ulster Banner.svg Michael O'Neill 23 March 2023 vs. Flag of San Marino.svg 124171114-333.33%8.33%58.33%
Total6881771573547151277-56225.73%22.82%51.45%

Statistics include official FIFA recognised matches only

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the international friendly matches against Flag of Romania.svg  Romania on 22 March 2024 and Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland on 26 March 2024. [45] [46]

Caps and goals updated as of 26 March 2024, after the match against Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland . [47]

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11 GK Bailey Peacock-Farrell (1996-10-29) 29 October 1996 (age 27)440 Flag of Denmark.svg Aarhus
121 GK Conor Hazard (1998-03-05) 5 March 1998 (age 26)80 Flag of England.svg Plymouth Argyle
231 GK Luke Southwood (1997-12-06) 6 December 1997 (age 26)10 Flag of England.svg Cheltenham Town
1 GK Stephen McMullan (2004-12-31) 31 December 2004 (age 19)00 Flag of England.svg Fleetwood Town

172 DF Paddy McNair (1995-04-27) 27 April 1995 (age 28)696 Flag of England.svg Middlesbrough
2 DF Jamal Lewis (1998-01-25) 25 January 1998 (age 26)340 Flag of England.svg Watford
42 DF Daniel Ballard (1999-09-22) 22 September 1999 (age 24)222 Flag of England.svg Sunderland
222 DF Ciaron Brown (1998-01-14) 14 January 1998 (age 26)180 Flag of England.svg Oxford United
22 DF Conor Bradley (2003-07-09) 9 July 2003 (age 20)151 Flag of England.svg Liverpool
32 DF Trai Hume (2002-03-18) 18 March 2002 (age 22)120 Flag of England.svg Sunderland
202 DF Brodie Spencer (2004-05-06) 6 May 2004 (age 19)70 Flag of England.svg Huddersfield Town
52 DF Eoin Toal (1999-02-15) 15 February 1999 (age 25)50 Flag of England.svg Bolton Wanderers
62 DF Aaron Donnelly (2003-06-08) 8 June 2003 (age 20)00 Flag of Scotland.svg Dundee

3 MF George Saville (1993-06-01) 1 June 1993 (age 30)510 Flag of England.svg Millwall
153 MF Jordan Thompson (1997-01-03) 3 January 1997 (age 27)370 Flag of England.svg Stoke City
163 MF Ali McCann (1999-12-04) 4 December 1999 (age 24)221 Flag of England.svg Preston North End
193 MF Shea Charles (2003-11-05) 5 November 2003 (age 20)150 Flag of England.svg Southampton
73 MF Conor McMenamin (1995-08-24) 24 August 1995 (age 28)131 Flag of Scotland.svg St Mirren
143 MF Isaac Price (2003-09-26) 26 September 2003 (age 20)112 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Standard Liège
113 MF Paul Smyth (1997-09-10) 10 September 1997 (age 26)92 Flag of England.svg Queens Park Rangers
133 MF Paddy Lane (2001-02-18) 18 February 2001 (age 23)40 Flag of England.svg Portsmouth
3 MF Ross McCausland (2003-05-12) 12 May 2003 (age 20)10 Flag of Scotland.svg Rangers
183 MF Caolan Boyd-Munce (2000-01-26) 26 January 2000 (age 24)00 Flag of Scotland.svg St Mirren

214 FW Josh Magennis (1990-05-15) 15 May 1990 (age 33)7811 Flag of England.svg Wigan Athletic
4 FW Dion Charles (1995-10-07) 7 October 1995 (age 28)223 Flag of England.svg Bolton Wanderers
94 FW Shayne Lavery (1998-12-08) 8 December 1998 (age 25)193 Flag of England.svg Blackpool
84 FW Callum Marshall (2004-11-28) 28 November 2004 (age 19)30 Flag of England.svg West Bromwich Albion
104 FW Jamie Reid (1994-07-15) 15 July 1994 (age 29)21 Flag of England.svg Stevenage

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up to the Northern Ireland squad during the last 12 months.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up

DF Michael Forbes (2004-04-29) 29 April 2004 (age 19)10 Flag of England.svg West Ham United v. Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark , 20 November 2023
DF Jonny Evans (captain) (1988-01-03) 3 January 1988 (age 36)1066 Flag of England.svg Manchester United v. Flag of Finland.svg  Finland , 17 November 2023 INJ

MF Jordan Jones (1994-10-24) 24 October 1994 (age 29)191 Flag of England.svg Wigan Athletic v. Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark , 20 November 2023
MF Matty Kennedy (1994-11-01) 1 November 1994 (age 29)50 Flag of Scotland.svg Kilmarnock v. Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark , 20 November 2023
MF Terry Devlin (2003-11-06) 6 November 2003 (age 20)00 Flag of England.svg Portsmouth v. Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark , 20 November 2023
MF Brad Lyons (1997-05-26) 26 May 1997 (age 26)10 Flag of Scotland.svg Kilmarnock v. Flag of Finland.svg  Finland , 17 November 2023 INJ
MF Gavin Whyte (1996-01-31) 31 January 1996 (age 28)305 Flag of England.svg Portsmouth v. Flag of Slovenia.svg  Slovenia , 7 September 2023 INJ
MF Ethan Galbraith (2001-05-11) 11 May 2001 (age 22)20 Flag of England.svg Leyton Orient v. Flag of Kazakhstan.svg  Kazakhstan , 19 June 2023
MF Sean Goss (1995-10-01) 1 October 1995 (age 28)00 Flag of Greece.svg Asteras Tripolis v. Flag of Kazakhstan.svg  Kazakhstan , 19 June 2023
MF Shane Ferguson (1991-07-12) 12 July 1991 (age 32)572 Flag of England.svg Rotherham United v. Flag of Finland.svg  Finland , 26 March 2023
MF Cameron McGeehan (1995-04-06) 6 April 1995 (age 29)10 Flag of England.svg Colchester United v. Flag of Finland.svg  Finland , 26 March 2023

FW Conor Washington (1992-05-18) 18 May 1992 (age 31)436 Flag of England.svg Derby County v. Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark , 20 November 2023
FW Dale Taylor (2003-12-12) 12 December 2003 (age 20)60 Flag of England.svg Wycombe Wanderers v. Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark , 20 November 2023
FW Lee Bonis (1999-08-03) 3 August 1999 (age 24)00 Ulster Banner.svg Larne v. Flag of Kazakhstan.svg  Kazakhstan , 19 June 2023

COVID = Player withdrew due to a positive COVID test or from being in close contact with someone with a positive COVID test.
INJ = Withdrew due to an injury.
PRE = Preliminary squad / standby.
RET = Retired from the national team.
SUS = Serving suspension.
WTD = Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Individual records

As of 26 March 2024after the match against Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland .
  Players still active are highlighted in green

Most appearances

Midfielder Steven Davis is Northern Ireland's most capped player with 140 appearances. Steven Davis, CZE-NIR 2019-10-14 (2).jpg
Midfielder Steven Davis is Northern Ireland's most capped player with 140 appearances.
RankPlayerCapsGoalsCareer
1 Steven Davis 140132005–2022
2 Pat Jennings 11901964–1986
3 Aaron Hughes 11211998–2018
4 Jonny Evans 10662006–present
5 David Healy 95362000–2013
6 Mal Donaghy 9101980–1994
7 Kyle Lafferty 89202006–2022
8 Sammy McIlroy 8851972–1986
Maik Taylor 8801999–2011
10 Keith Gillespie 8621995–2008

Top goalscorers

David Healy is Northern Ireland's all-time top goalscorer with 36 goals. David Healy (footballer).jpg
David Healy is Northern Ireland's all-time top goalscorer with 36 goals.
RankPlayerGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1 David Healy (list)36950.382000–2013
2 Kyle Lafferty 20890.222006–2022
3 Billy Gillespie 13250.521913–1932
Colin Clarke 13380.341986–1993
Steven Davis 131400.092005–2022
6 Joe Bambrick 12111.091928–1940
Jimmy Quinn 12460.261984–1995
Iain Dowie 12590.21990–1999
Gerry Armstrong 12630.191977–1986
10 Olphie Stanfield 11300.371887–1897
Josh Magennis 11780.142010–present

Most clean sheets

RankPlayerClean SheetsCapsRatioCareer
1 Pat Jennings 451190.381964–1986
2 Maik Taylor 34880.391999–2011
3 Roy Carroll 18450.41997–2017
4 Michael McGovern 16330.482010–2020
5 Bailey Peacock-Farrell 15440.342018–present
6 Tommy Wright 11310.351989–1999
7 Alan Mannus 790.782004–2016
8 Elisha Scott 6310.191920–1936
Jim Platt 6230.261976–1986
Alan Fettis 6250.241991–1998

Captains

RankPlayerCaps as CaptainTotal CapsCaptaincy Span
1 Steven Davis 821402006–2022
2 Aaron Hughes 471122002–2015
3 Danny Blanchflower 42561954–1962
4 Terry Neill 38591963–1973
5 Martin O'Neill 33641980–1984
6 Alan McDonald 26521990–1995
7 Steve Lomas 22451997–2003
8 Allan Hunter 19531974–1979
Sammy McIlroy 19881980–1986
10 John McClelland 17531984–1990

Competitive record

For the all-time record of the national team against opposing nations, see the team's all-time record page.

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup finals recordQualification recordManager(s)
YearRoundPos.PldWD*LGFGASquadPldWDLGFGA
Flag of Uruguay.svg 1930 Not a FIFA memberNot a FIFA memberNone
Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg 1934
Flag of France.svg 1938
Flag of Brazil (1889-1960).svg 1950 Did not qualify3012417 Irish FA Committee
Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg 1954 310247 Peter Doherty
Flag of Sweden.svg 1958 Quarter-finals8th5212610 Squad 421163
Flag of Chile.svg 1962 Did not qualify410378
Flag of England.svg 1966 632195 Bertie Peacock
Flag of Mexico.svg 1970 421173 Billy Bingham
Flag of Germany.svg 1974 613256 Terry Neill
Flag of Argentina.svg 1978 621376 Danny Blanchflower
Flag of Spain.svg 1982 Second group stage9th513157 Squad 833263 Billy Bingham
Flag of Mexico.svg 1986 Group stage21st301226 Squad 842285
Flag of Italy.svg 1990 Did not qualify8215612
Flag of the United States.svg 1994 125341413
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 1998 10145610 Bryan Hamilton
Flag of South Korea (1997-2011).svg Flag of Japan.svg 2002 103251112 Sammy McIlroy
Flag of Germany.svg 2006 102351018 Lawrie Sanchez
Flag of South Africa.svg 2010 10433139 Nigel Worthington
Flag of Brazil.svg 2014 10145917 Michael O'Neill
Flag of Russia.svg 2018 12624177
Flag of Qatar.svg 2022 823367 Ian Baraclough
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Flag of Mexico.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2026 To be determinedTo be determined
Flag of Morocco.svg Flag of Portugal.svg Flag of Spain.svg 2030
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg 2034
TotalQuarter-finals3/22133551323142453958155168
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

UEFA European Championship

UEFA European Championship recordQualification recordManager(s)
YearRoundPos.PldWD*LGFGASquadPldWDLGFGA
Flag of France.svg 1960 Did not enterDid not enterNone
Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg 1964 Did not qualify421152 Bertie Peacock
Flag of Italy.svg 1968 611428 Bertie Peacock, Billy Bingham [note 3]
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg 1972 6222106 Billy Bingham, Terry Neill [note 4]
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg 1976 630385 Terry Neill, Dave Clements [note 5]
Flag of Italy.svg 1980 8413814 Danny Blanchflower
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 1984 851285 Billy Bingham
Flag of Germany.svg 1988 6114210
Flag of Sweden.svg 1992 82331111
Flag of England.svg 1996 105232015 Bryan Hamilton
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Flag of the Netherlands.svg 2000 8125419 Lawrie McMenemy
Flag of Portugal.svg 2004 803508 Sammy McIlroy
Flag of Austria.svg Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg 2008 126241714 Lawrie Sanchez, Nigel Worthington [note 6]
Flag of Poland.svg Flag of Ukraine.svg 2012 10235913 Nigel Worthington
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 2016 Round of 1616th410323 Squad 10631168 Michael O'Neill
Flag of Europe.svg 2020 Did not qualify104241116 Michael O'Neill, Ian Baraclough [note 7]
Flag of Germany.svg 2024 10307913 Michael O'Neill
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Flag of Ireland.svg 2028 To be determinedTo be determined
Flag of Italy.svg Flag of Turkey.svg 2032
TotalRound of 161/17410323130472756140167
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

UEFA Nations League

UEFA Nations League recordManager(s)
SeasonDivisionGroupPldWDLGFGAP/RRK
2018–19 B 3 400427Steady3.svg24th Michael O'Neill
2020–21 B 1 6024411Red Arrow Down.svg32nd Ian Baraclough
2022–23 C 2 6123710Steady3.svg44th Ian Baraclough
2024–25 C 3 To be determined
Total161411132824th

Summary of results

All competitive matches [48]
PldWDLGFGAGD
5581431222935971067−470
All matches including friendlies [49] [50]
PldWDLGFGAGD
6881771573547151277−562

Results updated after match against Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland on 26 March 2024.

FIFA Rankings

Last updated on 16 February 2022. [51]

FIFA World Rankings

 Worst Ranking   Best Ranking   Worst Mover   Best Mover  

RankYearGames
Played
WonDrawnLostBestWorst
RankMoveRankMove
5420211243545Increase2.svg 4 (September)58Decrease2.svg 11 (October)
452020803536Steady2.svg 0 (February)45Decrease2.svg 4 (November)
3620191061328Increase2.svg 5 (June)36Decrease2.svg 4 (October)
352018922524Increase2.svg 2 (March)35Decrease2.svg 6 (October)
242017951320Increase2.svg 9 (April)35Decrease2.svg 3 (October)
3220161353525Increase2.svg 4 (November)36Decrease2.svg 6 (October)
302015944129Increase2.svg 8 (March)51Decrease2.svg 4 (April)
482014731343Increase2.svg28 (October)95Decrease2.svg 6 (August)
892013812586Increase2.svg 23 (September)119Decrease2.svg 22 (April)
962012704386Increase2.svg 17 (November)129Decrease2.svg28 (September)
8820111011838Increase2.svg 5 (February)89Decrease2.svg 25 (April)
4320101013439Increase2.svg 14 (September)59Decrease2.svg 11 (March)
402009933327Increase2.svg 15 (April)52Decrease2.svg 9 (November)
522008822432Increase2.svg 2 (June)52Decrease2.svg 10 (December)
322007942327Increase2.svg 14 (April)49Decrease2.svg 9 (September)
482006841345Increase2.svg 21 (July)103Decrease2.svg 3 (November)
103200510226101Increase2.svg 15 (September)116Decrease2.svg 4 (August)
107200411362107Increase2.svg 9 (April)124Decrease2.svg 2 (July)
12220038026106Increase2.svg 1 (June)122Decrease2.svg 7 (October)
1032002603389Increase2.svg 1 (April)103Decrease2.svg 8 (September)
882001821588Increase2.svg 10 (September)107Decrease2.svg 4 (June)
932000731384Increase2.svg 5 (October)98Decrease2.svg 5 (May)
841999812567Increase2.svg 19 (January)84Decrease2.svg 7 (October)
861998631286Increase2.svg 7 (October)99Decrease2.svg 6 (February)
931997913563Increase2.svg 5 (April)93Decrease2.svg 10 (December)
641996713348Increase2.svg 11 (December)75Decrease2.svg 9 (October)
451995832345Increase2.svg 10 (September)55Decrease2.svg 5 (February)
451994730433Increase2.svg 7 (April)45Decrease2.svg 8 (June)
391993841339Increase2.svg 3 (August)42Decrease2.svg 2 (October)

FIFA ranking history

The following is a chart of the yearly averages of Northern Ireland's FIFA ranking.

Honours

See also

Notes

  1. The team did not use the team name Northern Ireland until 1952 in a one-off friendly against France, also the Ulster banner the flag currently used by the Northern Ireland team did not become the official flag of Northern Ireland until 1953. However, the team's first appearance after the end of Ireland (IFA), was against England in October 1950 in the 1950–51 British Home Championship.
  2. The last match played as Ireland was in 1978 against Scotland. [3] However, apart from this match, all British Championship matches had been played as "Northern Ireland" since the 1973–74 tournament. [4] In the 1972–73 tournament, the first two matches were played as "Ireland" and the third as "Northern Ireland". In the 1971–72 tournament, the first was played as "Ireland" and the second and third as "Northern Ireland". 1970–71 was the last tournament in which all matches were played under the name "Ireland". [5]
  3. Bertie Peacock managed for the first three qualifying matches. Billy Bingham managed the remainder of the qualification campaign.
  4. Billy Bingham managed for the first three qualifying matches. Terry Neill managed the remainder of the qualification campaign.
  5. Terry Neill managed for the first two qualifying matches. Dave Clements managed the remainder of the qualification campaign.
  6. Lawrie Sanchez managed for the first six qualifying matches. Nigel Worthington managed the remainder of the qualification campaign.
  7. Michael O'Neill managed the team for the eight qualifying group stage matches. Ian Baraclough managed the team in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying play-offs.

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