Northern Ireland start their qualifying journey in Luxembourg
Luxembourg v Northern Ireland preview
Northern Ireland will begin another World Cup qualifying campaign with an away game in Luxembourg.
Author | Mark Lee
Stadium | Stade de Luxembourg
The 2026 World Cup will arrive 40 years after Northern Ireland last graced football’s biggest stage, and a decade since their memorable run at Euro 2016.
In the years since, progress has been limited, but the introduction of younger players and a recent Nations League group victory have injected fresh belief. Qualification rules may also work in their favour, with Nations League winners who do not finish in the top two of their groups handed another route into the finals.
READ MORE | Wales resume their attempt to reach the World Cup
Michael O’Neill’s side have taken seven wins from their last 15 matches, including a 1-0 friendly victory over Iceland in June, a sign of steady progress under the manager who guided them to France in 2016. While qualifying began for most of Europe back in March, Northern Ireland have had to wait almost six months to begin their campaign.
O’Neill, embarking on his third tilt at World Cup qualification, faces a daunting challenge with Germany and Slovakia among their Group A opponents. Before the trip to Cologne this weekend, Northern Ireland will first meet Luxembourg, less than a year on from their 2-2 draw in the Nations League.
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| The meeting between the two in September 2024 |
Team news
Increasing O'Neill's woes, Paul Smyth has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad through injury, adding his name to a long absence list.
O'Neill was already without defenders Daniel Ballard, Brodie Spencer and Ciaron Brown, midfielder Jordan Thompson, plus goalkeepers Pierce Charles and Conor Hazard.
So, Bailey Peacock-Farrell has been recalled and will contend with Luke Southwood to start between the posts; uncapped trio Kofi Balmer, Ryan Johnson and Jamie McDonnell have also been drafted in.
READ MORE | Scotland looking to rediscover their form in new qualifying campaign
While Isaac Price has scored seven goals in his last seven international appearances, Luxembourg's main threat comes from St Pauli striker Danel Sinani, as Gerson Rodrigues - who scored against Northern Ireland last autumn - is still serving a ban imposed by his own football federation.
Experienced goalkeeper Anthony Moris - who recently moved to the Saudi Pro League - has returned, though, after declining a call-up in June.
Yvandro Borges Sanches is also back: having recovered from injury, the Borussia Monchengladbach forward features in Jeff Strasser's first squad since taking the reins from Luc Holtz.
Possible starting lineups
Luxembourg: Moris; Dzogovic, Korac, Carlson, Jans; Bohnert, Barreiro, Moreira, V. Thill; Sanches, Sinani
Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell; McConville, McNair, Hume; Bradley, McCann, S. Charles, Saville; Galbraith, Price; D. Charles
