Northern Ireland Squad: Latest Line‑up, Key Players and Upcoming Fixtures

If you’re a fan of the Red Devils, you want the freshest scoop on who’s making the squad, what the manager is planning, and when the next game kicks off. Below you’ll find a straight‑forward rundown of the current squad list, the players you should watch, and tips on how to catch every match live.

Current Squad Breakdown

The latest call‑up features a blend of seasoned internationals and hungry newcomers. In goal, Alex McCarthy keeps the last line solid, while the defence revolves around the experienced Steven Davis and the fast‑running Conor McMenamin. Midfield is anchored by the creative James McClean and the box‑to‑box engine Kieran Downey. Up front, the strike partnership of Jamie Ward and the promising Andrew Omobamidele offers both grit and flair.

Each player brings a clear role: Davis leads the back line, McClean delivers crosses and set‑piece danger, and Ward provides a physical presence in the box. If you’re tracking performance, keep an eye on Downey’s passing accuracy – he’s been hitting above 85% in recent qualifiers.

What’s Coming Up?

The squad’s next fixture is a Euro 2028 qualifier against Finland on 10 October 2025. The match will be broadcast on BBC Sport in the UK and streamed via the BBC iPlayer app. A friendly with the Republic of Ireland follows on 24 October 2025, a perfect chance to see how the youngsters blend with the veterans.

To stay on top of changes, subscribe to the official Irish FA Twitter feed or follow the squad’s hashtag #NIfootball on X. The manager, Mick McCarthy, tends to announce line‑ups a day before the game, so checking those channels will give you the most accurate information.

If you’re wondering how to watch the games locally, most Irish pubs in Belfast and Dublin display the matches on large screens. Many also offer a free Wi‑Fi connection, letting you stream the match on your phone while enjoying the atmosphere.

For a quick reference, here’s a handy cheat‑sheet you can copy into your notes:

• Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy
• Defenders: Steven Davis, Conor McMenamin, Aaron Hughes, James McCarthy
• Midfielders: James McClean, Kieran Downey, Ryan McLaughlin
• Forwards: Jamie Ward, Andrew Omobamidele

That list will change as injuries arise, but it gives you a solid base to understand the core of the team.

Want deeper stats? Websites like Transfermarkt and WhoScored update player ratings after every match. Look for the ‘player radar’ chart – it shows shooting, defending and passing numbers in one glance.

Finally, if you’re new to following the Northern Ireland squad, start by watching the match highlights on the Irish FA YouTube channel. They cut the action down to ten minutes and add a quick tactical recap, which is perfect for a busy schedule.

Whether you’re a long‑time supporter or just curious about the team’s prospects, keeping an eye on the squad list, upcoming fixtures and where to watch will make sure you never miss a key moment. Grab a seat, raise a pint, and enjoy the ride with the Red Devils.