Northern Ireland make winning start in Luxembourg | OneFootball

Northern Ireland kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in fine style, coming from behind to beat Luxembourg 3-1 at the Stade de Luxembourg.

Jamie Reid opened the scoring in the eighth minute after a VAR-awarded penalty. Isaac Price's initial spot-kick was saved, but the Stevenage striker reacted quickest to tuck away the rebound, giving Northern Ireland an early advantage.

The hosts weren’t down for long, though. Aiman Dardari levelled the scores on 30 minutes, converting a neat assist from Danel Sinani with a precise strike into the bottom corner.

The second half belonged to the visitors. Shea Charles unleashed a right-footed strike from outside the box that took a deflection and wrong-footed Anthony Moris, restoring Northern Ireland’s lead straight after the restart.

Things went from bad to worse for Luxembourg when Seid Korac received a second yellow card for a rash challenge in the 66th minute.

Just moments later, Justin Devenny fired home a clinical finish from a set-piece to make it 3-1, effectively sealing the win for Northern Ireland.

Luxembourg had a few late chances through Edvin Muratovic and Laurent Jans, but Bailey Peacock-Farrell and the defence were resolute, ensuring Martin O’Neill’s side took all three points.

The win gives Northern Ireland a perfect start to Group A, setting up an intriguing clash on Sunday in Cologne against Germany, who themselves suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in their opening qualifier.