Luxembourg vs Northern Ireland prediction 04.09.2025 | World Cup qualification

Luxembourg undoubtedly raised the level of their national football team, but they are still waiting for their first appearance at a major football championship. Luxembourg enters the World Cup qualifications as probably the fourth-best team in the group, but they still hope to sneak among the top two teams. 

Luxembourg haven't played well lately as they have won only one of their last 12 matches. Their previous games were in June, when they played 0-0 against Ireland and lost 1-0 against Slovenia. Although those matches were friendlies, the lack of goals worries them. 

The game on Thursday against Northern Ireland will be the first for the new manager, Jeff Strasser. He convinced Al-Khaleej's goalkeeper, Anthony Moris, to return to the national team. Unfortunately, the team does not include a future superstar of European football, 16-year-old Brian Madjo. Luxembourg wanted him for the September matches, but it seems that he is waiting for an English call-up. 

Northern Ireland haven't played at a major tournament since the EURO 2016, while at the World Cup, they haven't participated since 1986. Slovakia have probably a slightly better team, but Northern Ireland hopes to beat them for the place in the playoffs. 

Northern Ireland didn't play well in 2025 as they won only one of four matches. In June, they won 1-0 against Iceland and lost 2-1 against Denmark. Both those games were friendlies. 

Northern Ireland have problems with injuries ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in September. They will be without Daniel Ballard, Brodie Spencer, Conor Hazard, Lee Bonis, Aaron Donelly, Ciaron Brown, Jordan Thompson, and Pierce Charles. The biggest problem is probably at the goalkeeper position with Charles and Hazard out, so Bristol Rovers' Luke Southwood is likely to be the choice for the upcoming games.