Northern Ireland Squad Updates for World Cup Qualifiers
Striker Josh Magennis has rejoined the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
The 35-year-old forward has netted 12 international goals in 82 appearances but has not been part of Michael O'Neill's squad since November 2024.
Northern Ireland will host Slovakia at Windsor Park on Friday, October 10, followed by a match against Germany three days later. O'Neill has also welcomed back several players who were sidelined due to injuries.
The team was without key players during the initial fixtures of the campaign, where they secured a victory against Luxembourg but suffered a defeat to Germany last month.
Returning from injury are Dan Ballard, Conor Hazard, Brodie Spencer, Ciaron Brown, and Paul Smyth. Additionally, Rangers winger Ross McCausland, currently on loan at Aris Limassol in Cyprus, has also made a comeback.
However, first-choice goalkeeper Pierce Charles remains unavailable due to a shoulder injury, and Dale Taylor and Ronan Hale have not been included in the squad.
Northern Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Conor Hazard, Luke Southwood
Defenders: Paddy McNair, Ryan Johnson, Daniel Ballard, Ciaron Brown, Conor Bradley, Trai Hume, Brodie Spencer, Eoin Toal, Terry Devlin, Ruairi McConville
Midfielders: George Saville, Ali McCann, Shea Charles, Jamie McDonnell, Paul Smyth, Isaac Price, Ross McCausland, Ethan Gailbraith, Justin Devenny, Jamie Donely
Attackers: Josh Magennis, Dion Charles, Callum Marshall, Jamie Reid
After this month’s home matches, Northern Ireland’s qualifying campaign for the World Cup in Canada, the USA, and Mexico next summer will conclude with away games against Slovakia on October 14 and Luxembourg in Belfast on October 17.
Only the top team in the group secures an automatic spot in the tournament, while the runners-up will advance to the playoffs. Northern Ireland could still qualify for the playoffs if they finish third or fourth, thanks to their success in winning their Nations League group last year.