Northern Ireland have fielded a national team since 1880, playing in World Cup qualifying and their confederation’s tournaments.
Overview
Northern Ireland is an international association football team representing Northern Ireland, competing under the jurisdiction of the Irish Football Association, which was founded in 1880, making it one of the oldest national football associations in the world. The team competes in UEFA international competitions and has historically participated in FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns. Northern Ireland's most celebrated period came in the 1950s and 1980s, when the side qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals on more than one occasion.
The squad has included several notable players in recent years, among them goalkeeper Bryan Peacock-Farrell, fellow goalkeeper Luke Southwood, defender Conor Hazard, Patrick Charles, Jonny Clarke, and Tom Atcheson. The team has not won a major senior international title. Home matches are played at Windsor Park in Belfast, which serves as the national stadium. The Irish Football Association remains one of the senior associations within the British and Irish football structure.
