Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland, the Green and White Army, are cherished for their passionate support and the famous atmosphere at Windsor Park. A small nation with a giant footballing heart, they have produced legends like George Best and punched above their weight on the biggest stage.

Northern Ireland have appeared at three World Cups, reaching the quarterfinals twice. On their 1958 debut they made the last eight, and in 1982 they stunned hosts Spain with a famous 1-0 victory in Valencia to top their group and again reach the quarterfinals. They also qualified in 1986. Though they have not returned since, those heroic campaigns — and the legend of George Best, who never got to grace a World Cup — remain central to Northern Irish footballing pride.