Northern Ireland’s Under-19s produced a solid performance as they defeated hosts Malta by a goal to nil in a Euro qualifier.
Competition
U19 Euro 2026 Qualifying Round
Scoreline
Malta U19s 0-1 Northern Ireland U19s
Scorers
Northern Ireland: James Simpson (25’)
Venue
Centenary Stadium, Ta’Qali
Date
12 November 2025
Team News
The U19s are competing in four-team Group 13 in the qualifying round for UEFA U19 Euro 2026 this month, with the games being staged in Malta.
Under-19s boss Gareth McAuley has chosen a 20-strong squad to take on Malta, Azerbaijan and Czechia. Today’s game against the hosts was their first match in the mini tournament.
The top two teams in 13 groups as well as the best third-placed team will join top seeds Spain in the elite round draw on 10 December. The elite round in spring 2026 will produce the seven nations joining hosts Wales in the finals scheduled from 28 June to 11 July next year.
How it happened
Northern Ireland started brightly with attacker Braiden Graham forcing a save out of Malta keeper James Sissons as early as the fourth minute.
Emerson Piscopo steered Malta’s first effort on goal wide of the post before Graham had another attempt. Northern Ireland striker Paul McGovern then had a shot blocked before winger Ceadach O’Neill guided a shot wide.
O’Neill had a shot blocked before captain Blaine McClure’s strike was pushed away by Sissons on 23 minutes.
Two minutes later Northern Ireland took the lead. McClure delivered a corner into the danger zone and defender James Simpson (pictured playing for Larne) applied the finishing touch.
During the remainder of the half Northern Ireland continued to press. Graham had a couple of shots blocked, while Sissons saved a McGovern effort and Callum Burnside was off target.
And Northern Ireland keeper Josh Gracey was called into action to thwart an effort from Malta’s Jake Borg.
Half-time: Malta U19s 0-1 Northern Ireland U19s
The first chance of the second half fell to Malta’s Thomas Melillo, but his shot was blocked.
After that McClure put an effort wide, Melillo missed the target for Malta, Graham steered a shot past the woodwork and a strike from Malta’s Borg drifted wide as the game ebbed and flowed.
In the closing stages Melillo fluffed a good opportunity for the hosts, and the lively Graham had a shot blocked.
Gracey saved well from Malta substitute Jayden Vella, while Malta attacker Kai Bartolo had a drive blocked.
Matchday two will see the U19s take on Azerbaijan at Ta’Qali on Saturday (15 November) at 1.30pm GMT. Czechia defeated Azerbaijan in the other group game staged today.
Full-time: Malta U19s 0-1 Northern Ireland U19s
Line-ups
Malta: James Sissons, Sheldon Borg (captain), Malik Amin, Aidan Agius, Nathan Joyce, Jack Camilleri, Dejan Farrugia, Thomas Melillo, Kai Bartolo, Jake Borg, Emerson Piscopo.
Substitutes: (used) Andreas Vella, Lyon Abella, Jayden Vella, Liam Micallef, Nathan Zerafa; unused) Carlos Camilleri (GK), George Grima, Luke Bugeja, Shaun Xiberras.
Northern Ireland: Josh Gracey, Luke Matykiewicz, Keevan Hawthorne, Broghan Sewell, James Simpson, Callum Burnside, Ceadach O’Neill, Blaine McClure (captain), Paul McGovern, Braiden Graham, George Feeney.
Substitutes: (used) Jack Doherty, Kalum Thompson; (unused) Will Murdock (GK), Callum Leacock, Brandon Downey, Alfie Friars, Dylan Stitt, Joe Sheridan, Coist Walker.
