Northern Ireland — Football

Football in Northern Ireland has a proud tradition stretching back to the 19th century. The NIFL Premiership, the Championship, features 0 clubs across 7 organised competitions.

Northern Ireland has produced some of football's most iconic figures, most notably George Best, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. The national team has qualified for the World Cup and European Championship on multiple occasions, with passionate support from the Green and White Army.

The Irish Football Association, founded in 1880, is the fourth oldest football association in the world. After the partition of Ireland in 1921, the IFA governed football in Northern Ireland.

The 1958 World Cup campaign remains one of Northern Ireland's greatest achievements, with a squad featuring the legendary Danny Blanchflower reaching the quarter-finals. George Best's extraordinary career at Manchester United in the 1960s brought global fame. The 2016 European Championship qualification, led by manager Michael O'Neill, united the country in celebration.

The Irish Football Association (IFA) is the governing body for football in Northern Ireland and the fourth oldest football association in the world. Founded in 1880, it oversees the NIFL Premiership, cup competitions, and the national team. The IFA is a member of UEFA and FIFA.

The Northern Ireland football pyramid has three main tiers. The NIFL Premiership is the top division, with the Championship serving as the second tier. The historic Irish Cup, first contested in 1881, is one of the oldest cup competitions in world football.

The League Cup provides additional competition. Despite the small domestic market, the league maintains competitive rivalries and produces players who progress to English and Scottish football.

Linfield FC is the most successful club in Northern Ireland, with a record number of league titles. Based at Windsor Park in Belfast, Linfield's rivalry with Glentoran, the other major Belfast club, is the defining fixture of the NIFL Premiership.

Cliftonville FC, founded in 1879, is the oldest football club in Ireland. Crusaders FC and Coleraine FC are also prominent clubs. Several NIFL clubs regularly compete in European qualifying rounds.

Northern Ireland's quarter-final run at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden remains the country's finest achievement, with a squad that included Danny Blanchflower and Harry Gregg. The 2016 European Championship campaign, where Northern Ireland defeated Ukraine and reached the Round of 16, was a joyous occasion for the nation.

George Best, who played for Northern Ireland 37 times, remains one of the most gifted footballers in the history of the game.

Windsor Park in Belfast serves as the home of both the Northern Ireland national team and Linfield FC. The stadium was redeveloped and reopened in 2016. The Oval (Glentoran), Seaview (Crusaders), and Solitude (Cliftonville) are other notable grounds in Belfast.

The Green and White Army, Northern Ireland's dedicated travelling support, has won awards for their behaviour and enthusiasm at international tournaments. The 2016 Euros in France saw thousands of Northern Irish fans descend on the host cities, creating a party atmosphere. Domestically, the Belfast derbies between Linfield, Glentoran, Cliftonville, and Crusaders generate fierce local pride.