Josh Magennis rejoins Northern Ireland for World Cup qualifiers. Key players return from injury ahead of Slovakia and Germany matches.
Magennis Returns to Northern Ireland Squad
Estimated reading time: 2 min
Josh Magennis rejoins Northern Ireland for World Cup qualifiers. Key players return from injury ahead of Slovakia and Germany matches.
Striker Josh Magennis has been recalled to the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures. The 35-year-old, who has scored 12 international goals in 82 appearances, returns after a hiatus from the team since November 2024. Magennis has been in good form, netting four times in nine games for Exeter City this season.
Northern Ireland is set to face Slovakia and Germany at Windsor Park on 10 and 13 October, respectively. The squad sees the return of several players from injury, including Dan Ballard, Conor Hazard, Brodie Spencer, Ciaron Brown, and Paul Smyth. The team had previously been short-handed during their initial fixtures, where they secured a win against Luxembourg but fell to Germany.
Rangers winger Ross McCausland, currently on loan at Aris Limassol, also rejoins the squad. However, first-choice goalkeeper Pierce Charles remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, and there is no inclusion for Dale Taylor or Ronan Hale.
Key talking points
- Josh Magennis returns to the Northern Ireland squad.
- Several players are back from injury, strengthening the team.
- Northern Ireland will play Slovakia and Germany at home.
- Pierce Charles is still out due to a shoulder problem.
The context
Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign continues with crucial fixtures against Slovakia and Germany. Only the top team secures automatic qualification, while the runners-up advance to the play-offs. Northern Ireland could still reach the play-offs by finishing third or fourth, thanks to their Nations League group victory last year.
