NI FUTSAL
FEDERATION
NORTHERN IRELAND FUTSAL
Northern Ireland Drawn Against Poland and Bosnia & Herzegovina
in FIFA Futsal World Cup Main Round
Northern Ireland will face Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group 5 of the FIFA Futsal World Cup main round qualifiers, following today’s official draw at UEFA Headquarters in Nyon.
Ranked 47th in Europe, Northern Ireland will take on a strong Polish side (12th) and an ambitious Bosnia and Herzegovina team (22nd) in what promises to be a challenging and exciting campaign.
Fixtures will be played home and away between October 2026 and April 2027, with dates yet to be confirmed.
This marks a historic step for Northern Ireland futsal, as the team prepares for its first-ever main round campaign and an opportunity to test itself against some of Europe’s top nations.
While Northern Ireland enters the group as underdogs, the squad is embracing the challenge with confidence and belief. Northern Ireland Futsal Federation Chair Jonathan Michael said, “This is exactly the level we want to be competing at. We respect the quality of Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but we are excited to step onto the court and show how far Northern Ireland Futsal has come.”
The draw signals another milestone in the continued growth of Futsal in Northern Ireland. Facing higher-ranked opposition provides a platform not only to compete, but to inspire players and fans across the country.
With home fixtures on the horizon, supporters will have a chance to play their part in this journey and back a squad determined to rise to the occasion.
Northern Ireland now turns its focus to preparation, united in belief and ready to make its mark on the European stage.
Northern Ireland Men’s Futsal Squad Make Historic Breakthrough in FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028 Qualifiers
The Northern Ireland Senior Men’s Futsal squad has made history by reaching the main qualification
round of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028 for the first time. The achievement was confirmed on
Friday 10 April after a crucial result in the final round of Group B fixtures at Loughborough
University.
Northern Ireland’s campaign began with a narrow 3–2 defeat to Sweden - ranked 52 places higher -
before the squad delivered a landmark 7–5 victory over England, their first-ever win in a World Cup
qualifying match. Goals from Conor Millar, Nathan Best, and the McMenemy brothers highlighted a
performance full of intensity, discipline and belief.
In their final match, Northern Ireland came from behind to lead Switzerland 3–2 at halftime thanks
to strikes from Conor Millar, Adam Barr and Darius Roohi. A last-minute Swiss equaliser forced the
team to wait on the outcome of England vs Sweden.
With their fate no longer in their own hands, Northern Ireland faced an anxious wait. The GAWA
turned out in full voice, knowing only an England win would deny their team a place in the next
round. Sweden’s scored a last-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory and ensured Northern Ireland
finished second in the group and advanced to the main round. Northern Ireland’s fourpoint tally
proved enough and reinforced their reputation as one of the competition’s rising forces.
Head Coach Enrique Guillen praised his squad’s achievement, saying: “I couldn’t be prouder of this
group. Qualifying for the Main Round of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028 is a truly historic moment
for Northern Ireland Futsal. Every player has earned it through commitment, belief and resilience.
Their technical and tactical ability has grown to a level that allows us to compete with top nations.”
He added: “I want to express my sincere thanks to all the club coaches across Northern Ireland and
England who have supported these players and helped shape them into the athletes they are today.
This is a milestone for our programme, and it is only the beginning.”
Northern Ireland will now await the main round draw on 19 June, with fixtures scheduled between
October 2026 and March 2027.
For further information or media enquiries, please contact nifutsalfederation@hotmail.com
2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup Preliminary Qualifying Group B Results
Sweden 3 vs 2 Northern Ireland
England 5 vs 7 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland 3 vs 3 Switzerland
FIFA Futsal World Ranking
Northern Ireland - 125
England - 84
Sweden - 73
Switzerland – 120