The Northern Ireland national under-21 football team also known as the Northern Ireland under-21s or Northern Ireland U21s, is the national under-21 football team of Northern Ireland and is controlled by the Irish Football Association. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years. To date Northern Ireland haven't yet qualified for the finals tournament.
The national under-21 team is the highest level of youth football in Northern Ireland, and is open to any players who were born in Northern Ireland or whose parents or grandparents were born in Northern Ireland. This team is for Northern Irish players aged 21 or under at the start of a two-year European Under-21 Football Championship campaign, so players can be, and often are, up to 23 years old. As long as they are eligible, players can play at any level, making it possible to play for the U21s, senior side and again for the U21s.
Contents
Competitive Record
For the all-time record of the national team against opposing nations, see the team's all-time record page
Results and fixtures
UEFA European Under-21 Championship
Coaching staff
Current coaching staff
As of 27 August 2025
Manager history
Last updated after the match against Portugal on 3 June 2026.
* first two games as caretaker manager
** caretaker manager for all 7 games
Players
Current squad
Players born on or after 1 January 2004 will be eligible until the completion of the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
The following players were named in the squad for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification Group F matches against Malta, Georgia and Greece on 26 September, 1 and 6 October 2026; respecitvely.
Caps and goals correct as of 3 June 2026, after the match against Portugal
Recent call-ups
The following players have previously been called up to the Northern Ireland under-21 squad within the last twelve months and remain eligible.
Player records
Most appearances
Last updated after the match against Portugal on 3 June 2026.
Leading Goalscorers
Last updated after the match against Portugal on 3 June 2026.