# Ukraine v Northern Ireland: Euro 2016 memories

> Michael O'Neill focuses on Northern Ireland's future after Euro 2016 win over Ukraine.
- Title: Ukraine v Northern Ireland: Euro 2016 memories · BBC Sport
- Summary: Michael O'Neill focuses on Northern Ireland's future after Euro 2016 win over Ukraine. Michael O'Neill emphasizes Northern Ireland's future potential over…
- Keywords: michael o'neill, northern ireland, ukraine, euro 2016, nations league, football, seattle, sports, Northern, Ireland, Euro, 2016
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cq0m3mpnlmevo
- Published: 2026-10-02T07:08:21.596+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: michael o'neill, northern ireland, ukraine, euro 2016, nations league, football, seattle, sports
## Ukraine v Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland faces Ukraine in a Nations League match on Friday, 2 October at 19:45 BST.
## Euro 2016 memories
Fans recall Northern Ireland's famous win over Ukraine at Euro 2016, 10 years ago.
## O'Neill's focus
Michael O'Neill says the team should write its own history, not reflect on Euro 2016.

> We don't keep reflecting back on that game and telling the players this is what we aspire to be
## Current squad
Only two players from the Euro 2016 squad remain in the current Northern Ireland team.
## Team age
Current squad members were eight years old during Euro 2016, with average age 23.
## Ukraine's strength
Ukraine's strength is their collective play, not individual stars like Kvaratskhelia.

> Ukraine's strength is in their collective as a team, rather than what we faced against Georgia with Kvaratskhelia
## Future focus
O'Neill aims to lead Northern Ireland to their first major tournament since 2016 in 2028.
## Key takeaway

Michael O'Neill emphasizes Northern Ireland's future potential over Euro 2016 memories for upcoming Nations League matches.