The friendly between Northern Ireland and Iceland takes place on Tuesday, 10th June 2025 at Windsor Park in Belfast. Kick-off in the UK is at 19:45 BST, while fans in Italy, Germany and France can tune in at 20:45 CEST.
This World Friendly fixture offers both sides a chance to experiment ahead of more competitive internationals, and supporters can expect a spirited contest under the floodlights.
How are both teams coming into this?
Northern Ireland arrive having suffered a 2-1 defeat in their last friendly against Denmark. Manager Michael O’Neill was full of praise for the team’s character in that loss, but the hosts will be without defender Paddy McNair after he was ruled out with a groin injury. That absence could force O’Neill into defensive reshuffles and present an early test for his back line.
Iceland, meanwhile, will view this match as a key step in their summer preparations. Although they have not released a provisional lineup, the visitors are expected to field a strong side eager to test themselves away from home. Adapting quickly to the intense atmosphere at Windsor Park will be crucial if Iceland are to stifle the home crowd and dictate the tempo.
Our forecast
We anticipate a cautious start from both teams as they look to avoid early mistakes, especially in defence. Northern Ireland’s back line may feel the absence of McNair, while Iceland are likely to be patient in possession as they settle into the match.
This fixture has all the hallmarks of a low-scoring affair. Expect a tight midfield battle and limited clear-cut chances. Our forecast leans towards a narrow home victory, but a draw remains well within reach for a well-drilled Iceland side.
