Luxembourg and Northern Ireland kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifying campaigns on Thursday at Stade de Luxembourg, with both sides aiming to start Group A on a winning note.
Hosts Luxembourg, under new coach Jeff Strasser, seek to build on recent improvements, while Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland aim to continue their competitive edge in tight qualifiers.
Luxembourg vs Northern Ireland – Predicted lineups and team news
Northern Ireland Team News
Michael O’Neill’s 26-man panel includes three changes from June friendlies, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell replacing Conor Hazard and Eoin Toal returning after injury. Pierce Charles and Luke Southwood compete in goal.
Defensively, Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard and Paddy McNair form a solid core alongside Bolton’s Eoin Toal. Conor Bradley has been included in the squad despite only recently recovering from injury.
Midfielders George Saville, Shea Charles and Ethan Galbraith offer grit, while Callum Marshall and Paul Smyth provide attacking options. Up front, Dion Charles and Jamie Reid lead the line. O’Neill will emphasise defensive organisation and swift counter-attacks to exploit Luxembourg’s high line.
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Northern Ireland predicted lineup
Possible Northern Ireland starting XI: Peacock-Farrell; Hume, Ballard, McNair, Toal; Galbraith, Saville, Shea Charles; Smyth, Charles, Reid
When is Luxembourg vs Northern Ireland?
The qualifier kicks off at at 7:45pm BST on Thursday, 4 September.
How to watch Luxembourg vs Northern Ireland?
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One NI, BBC Three, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
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