A brilliant second-half performance helped the Ireland Men's Under-15s overcome Northern Ireland 3-2 in a Last-16 game in the 2026 FIFA Men's Under-15 World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan.

After losing to Brazil in a Round of 32 game, Ireland regrouped for an evening duel with a very good Northern Ireland side in this 8v8 format played across two 20-minute halves.

Northern Ireland took the lead after 18 minutes and then went further ahead on 25 minutes but Ireland kept their composure and fought their way back into the contest.

A shot over the opposition's crossbar on 30 minutes from St. Patrick's Athletic forward Conor Hudson signalled their intent to get a goal back and that arrived just a minute later when Fionn McCormack Crowe stole possession of the ball and fired in from inside the penalty area.

Shamrock Rovers defender Tom Casey then did brilliantly to win a tackle around the halfway line, charge forward, exchange passes with a team-mate and then supply a neat finish to make it 2-2.

Crowe, who also plays for Shamrock Rovers, got his second of the game on 36 minutes when he converted following excellent work by Hudson in setting him up.

Next up are two games on Thursday, October 29th as Ireland continue to impress in this inaugural tournament.

Ireland: Davin Quinn; Tom Casey, Robert Morgan, Jaidee Foley, Fionnán Ó’Snodaigh (Fionn McCormack Crowe 20), Harry Rehill, Billy Carney, Nathan Power (Conor Hudson 20).

Goalscorers: Fionn McCormack Crowe 31, 36, Tom Casey 32.

International Coach: Graham Gartland.