Winning their Nations League group could also broaden Northern Ireland’s potential routes to the World Cup in 2026.
Now, it must be emphasized that there is a lot of football to play and a lot of buts and maybes, but stay with us.
Leaving aside the Nations League for the moment, the number of European teams in the 2026 World Cup will increase to 16.
When qualifying begins next spring, the 12 group winners will automatically qualify for the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 12 runners-up will qualify for a playoff and will be joined by the four Nations League group winners.
This is where things get a little complicated and Northern Ireland’s Nations League finale becomes even more important.
The four highest-ranked group winners in the Nations League who didn’t do it automatically qualify for the final either Therefore, those who secure a playoff via the traditional qualification route will be the nations that advance to those extra playoff spots.
The 16 play-off teams will meet in a single-game semifinal and final to determine which four teams will join the 12 group winners in the Americas.
Firstly, to get an idea of who that might be, you have to take a look at the current Nations League group leaders.
Portugal, Spain, France and Germany are the leaders in League A with England, Norway, Türkiye and the Czech Republic in B League.
All of those teams are group winners except Turkey in Group B4, who will face already relegated Montenegro in their final match on Tuesday, while Wales can still take top spot.
In League CThey are North Macedonia, Romania, Sweden and Northern Ireland.
