The Northern Ireland senior men’s futsal team have made history by reaching the main qualification round of the FIFA Futsal World Cup for the first time.
The achievement was confirmed following Group B preliminary qualifying round fixtures at Loughborough University in Leicestershire last week.
Northern Ireland’s campaign began with a narrow 3–2 defeat to Sweden. Danny Stapleton scored for Northern Ireland and Sweden’s Hampus Furublad scored an OG.
Then the squad delivered a landmark 7–5 victory over England, their first ever win in a World Cup qualifying match.
The goals came from Connor Millar (two), Lee McMenemy (two), Nathan Best and Ryan McMenemy plus a Jonny Sims OG. It was a performance full of intensity, discipline and belief.
In their final match Northern Ireland came from behind to lead Switzerland 3–2 at half-time thanks to strikes from Millar, captain Adam Barr and Darius Roohi.
A last-minute Swiss equaliser forced the team to wait on the outcome of England v Sweden where only an England win would deny them a place in the next round.
But Sweden scored a last-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory and qualification to the next round as group winners – and it also ensured Northern Ireland finished second in the group and advanced to the main round, too.
Head coach Enrique Guillen praised his squad’s achievement, saying: “I couldn’t be prouder of this group of players. Reaching the main qualifying 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.”
Team captain Adam Barr was ecstatic at the team’s success in Loughborough.
He said: "To go through to the main round group phase for the first time in Northern Ireland's history is extremely special.
“We entered the 2028 World Cup preliminary round as the lowest ranked team in the group (125th in the world), playing against Sweden (73rd), England (84th) and Switzerland (120th).
“After nine-plus years of hard work and development, it felt fitting that the squad came through with a fantastic win against England on their home soil and a good draw v Switzerland. We played England nine years ago and lost 16 -1, so that’s not a bad turnround.
“What made it more special was the support of family and friends. They carried us over the line in some games.
“The team were absolutely incredible. From backroom staff and coaches to players, we couldn't have given any more. As captain I couldn't be any prouder of everyone.”
Northern Ireland will now await the main round draw on 19 June, with fixtures scheduled between October 2026 and March 2027.
The Northern Ireland squad in Loughborough featured: Matthew McErlain (GK), Zach Tolmie (GK), Caolan Dobney, Adam Barr (captain), Danny Stapleton, Ryan McMenemy, Conor Kernohan, Connor Millar, Darius Roohi, Declan Starrs, Josh Lowry, Nathan Best, Kenzie Beattie, Lee McMenemy.
The men’s team’s success comes after the Northern Ireland’s women’s futsal team produced a series of spirited and encouraging performances at the UEFA Women’s Futsal Euro 2027 main round qualifiers in Slovenia last month.
Drawn into a challenging group alongside hosts Slovenia, France and Latvia, the squad embraced the opportunity to test themselves against some of Europe’s more established teams.
The tournament also marked a significant developmental milestone, with seven players making their senior international debuts, underlining the growing depth and progression of the women’s futsal pathway in Northern Ireland.
In their game against Slovenia in Podčetrtek the Northern Ireland team showed bravery and attacking intent throughout, with Amber Dempster netting a well‑taken goal to reward sustained pressure and positive play.
While results ultimately did not go their way against strong opposition, the team continued to compete with determination and organisation, gaining invaluable experience at the highest qualifying level of the European game.
A particularly cruel moment came in the fixture against Latvia where a late goal conceded in the final moments turned a hard‑fought contest into an agonising defeat, narrowly denying the players a deserved reward for their efforts.
Manager Keith Gibson praised both the performances and the wider impact of the trip, saying: “This was a huge step for this group. To bring seven new players into a Euro main round environment and see them compete with confidence says a lot about the direction we’re heading.
“Of course results matter, and the late loss to Latvia was tough to take, but the attitude, learning and belief shown by this squad will stand us in very good stead moving forward.”
