Northern Ireland have discovered their potential opponents in Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, should they advance through the challenging play-offs in March. The young squad, managed by Michael O’Neill, could face hosts Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland in the group stage of the tournament, which is being co-hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Path to the World Cup finals
Northern Ireland secured a play-off spot thanks to their strong finish in the 2024 UEFA Nations League, despite finishing third in their qualifying group behind Germany and Slovakia.
- Play-off semi-final: Italy, in Path A, on 26 March in Bergamo. Italy have not featured in a World Cup since 2014.
- Play-off final: The winner of Italy vs Northern Ireland would face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina for a place at the finals.
O’Neill acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the importance of staying focused:
“We know there are significant hurdles to overcome before we can think too far ahead, so we’ll stay grounded. 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.”
Preparations for the semi-final in Bergamo are already underway, with O’Neill stressing a step-by-step approach:
“For us, it’s about taking it step by step – and that starts with Italy in March.”
Group B fixtures if Northern Ireland qualify
Should Northern Ireland advance, their Group B schedule would be:
- Canada vs Northern Ireland – 12 June, Toronto (opening game)
- Switzerland vs Northern Ireland – 18 June, California
- Qatar vs Northern Ireland – 24 June, Seattle
This challenging group features a mix of host nation advantage, experienced European sides, and fast-improving international teams.
A proud World Cup history
Northern Ireland last played in a World Cup in 1986, also hosted in Mexico. They previously featured in 1958 (Sweden) and 1982 (Spain), with the 1982 tournament providing one of their most famous results: a shock victory over the hosts Spain, thanks to Gerry Armstrong’s decisive goal.
The squad now aims to rekindle that spirit and make history by returning to the World Cup stage after nearly four decades.
Leave a Reply