"Northern Ireland will face hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B of the World Cup if they come through March's tricky play-off. Michael O'Neill's side finished third in their qualifying group behind Germany and Slovakia, but still booked a play-off spot thanks to their Nations League finish in 2024. Northern Ireland face a difficult play-off semi-final in Italy, who have not played at the World Cup since 2014, on 26 March in Path A."
""We know there are significant hurdles to overcome before we can think too far ahead, so we'll stay grounded," said O'Neill after the draw. "But this is a young, fearless squad, growing in confidence all the time. We have an opportunity to reach a World Cup, and this group will give everything it has to make that a reality." He added that preparations for the play-off semi-final in Bergamo had already started. "If we allow ourselves a brief glance at the potential opponents in Group B, we know it will be challenging but certainly not insurmountable. "For us, it's about taking it step by step - and that starts with Italy in March.""
Northern Ireland can qualify for the 2026 World Cup Group B by winning a two-match March play-off path. The side finished third in their qualifying group behind Germany and Slovakia but secured a play-off berth via their Nations League 2024 finish. A play-off semi-final against Italy in Bergamo on 26 March decides the next step, with the winner facing Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina for the final place in the USA/Canada/Mexico tournament. Group B fixtures would see Canada in Toronto on 12 June, Switzerland in California on 18 June and Qatar in Seattle on 24 June. O'Neill emphasizes a step-by-step approach and preparation has begun.
Read at www.bbc.com
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