Josh Magennis Returns to Northern Ireland Squad for Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Veteran striker Josh Magennis has been recalled to the Northern Ireland squad for October’s pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with manager Michael O’Neill highlighting the striker’s form, fitness, and leadership qualities.

The 35-year-old forward, who plays for Exeter City, hasn’t featured for Northern Ireland since November 2024 but has made his way back into the side after scoring four goals in nine League One games this season.

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A Veteran’s Return

Magennis, with 82 international caps and 12 goals, is now the most experienced player in O’Neill’s squad. His recall comes at a critical time as Northern Ireland face Group C leaders Slovakia at Windsor Park on 10 October, before hosting Germany three days later.

“Josh gives us experience and physicality that we maybe don’t have in abundance,” said O’Neill.
“It’s nice to have a bit of experience — and it’s always nice to have Josh in the squad.”

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Why Now?

Magennis had been overlooked for previous squads due to fitness concerns following hip surgery. Despite being on the stand-by list earlier this year, O’Neill felt other strikers were ahead of him. That changed once Magennis proved his fitness and form at Exeter.

“He’s played regular minutes since the operation,” O’Neill said.
“He scored four goals, which is nice to see.”

Still, the manager admits he’ll need to manage Magennis’ minutes carefully during the two-game stretch.

“Whatever way Josh is used now, it has to be how far he can go — whether you start him or bring him off the bench.”

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Squad Boost: Injuries Clearing Up

Northern Ireland were missing key players during their September fixtures, which saw them beat Luxembourg and lose narrowly to Germany. October sees the return of several important names:

• Daniel Ballard, Ciaron Brown, and Brodie Spencer bolster the defence

• Paul Smyth and Ross McCausland add dynamism in wide areas

• Conor Hazard returns in goal, while Pierce Charles remains out

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Full Northern Ireland Squad for October Qualifiers

Goalkeepers:
Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Conor Hazard, Luke Southwood

Defenders:
Paddy McNair, Daniel Ballard, Ciaron Brown, Conor Bradley, Brodie Spencer, Trai Hume, Eoin Toal, Ryan Johnson, Terry Devlin, Ruairi McConville

Midfielders:
George Saville, Ali McCann, Shea Charles, Jamie McDonnell, Paul Smyth, Isaac Price, Ross McCausland, Ethan Galbraith, Justin Devenny, Jamie Donely

Forwards:
Josh Magennis, Dion Charles, Callum Marshall, Jamie Reid

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What’s at Stake?

Northern Ireland currently sit second in Group C with 14 points, behind Benin Republic on goal difference after FIFA docked them three points for fielding an ineligible player. That ruling handed a 3-0 win to Lesotho, reshaping the group standings.

With Germany, Benin, and Nigeria all in the mix, the next two games could make or break Northern Ireland’s hopes of direct qualification.

• Top spot = Automatic qualification

• 2nd place = Play-off berth

• 3rd/4th = Possible play-off via Nations League win

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Final Word

Josh Magennis’ return offers more than goals — it brings leadership, presence, and a reminder of Euro 2016’s golden days, where he played a key role.

If Northern Ireland are to return to a major tournament, they’ll need all the experience they can get — and Magennis might be just the spark they need.