<P> Northern Ireland also qualified for the 1982 World Cup . Their opening game was against Yugoslavia at the La Romareda in Zaragoza . It was the international debut of 17 - year - old Norman Whiteside who became the youngest player ever in the World Cup finals, a record that still stands . The game finished goalless . Five days later they drew 1--1 with Honduras, which was a disappointment, and many believed had doomed Northern Ireland's chances of advancing in the competition . They needed a win against hosts Spain in the third and final group game at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia . They faced a partisan atmosphere with a mostly Spanish crowd and a Spanish speaking referee in Héctor Ortiz who was unwilling to punish dirty play from the Spanish players . However a mistake from goalkeeper Luis Arconada gifted Gerry Armstrong the only goal of the game, and despite having Mal Donaghy sent off on 60 minutes, Northern Ireland went on to record an historic 1--0 win and top the first stage group . </P> <P> A 2--2 draw with Austria at the Vicente Calderón Stadium meant that a win against France would take them into the semi-finals, however a French team inspired by Michel Platini won 4--1 and eliminated Northern Ireland from the competition . </P> <P> In the 1986 World Cup, they reached the first round . Billy Bingham, a member of the 1958 squad, was manager for both of these tournaments . They have qualified for the 2018 World Cup playoffs . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Th_colspan="3"> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> Northern Ireland squad--1958 FIFA World Cup </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> <Ul> <Li> 1 Gregg </Li> <Li> 2 Cunningham </Li> <Li> 3 McMichael </Li> <Li> 4 Blanchflower (c) </Li> <Li> 5 Keith </Li> <Li> 6 Peacock </Li> <Li> 7 Bingham </Li> <Li> 8 Cush </Li> <Li> 9 Simpson </Li> <Li> 10 McIlroy </Li> <Li> 11 McParland </Li> <Li> 12 Uprichard </Li> <Li> 13 Casey </Li> <Li> 14 Scott </Li> <Li> 15 McCrory </Li> <Li> 16 Dougan </Li> <Li> 17 Coyle </Li> <Li> 18 Rea </Li> <Li> 19 Graham </Li> <Li> 20 Chapman </Li> <Li> 21 Hamill </Li> <Li> 22 Trainor </Li> <Li> Coach: Doherty </Li> </Ul> </Td> <Td> </Td> </Tr> </Table>

When did northern ireland last qualify for the world cup