Who will Northern Ireland play in the Nations League? Here’s everything you need to know about this week’s draw
Josh Magennis celebrates a late winner for Northern Ireland against Kosovo in 2022's Nations League
There’s no glamour draw on the horizon for Northern Ireland, but Michael O’Neill will see the Nations League as an opportunity to build some momentum ahead of next year’s World Cup Qualifying campaign.
On Thursday, O’Neill’s men will be placed in Pot 3 of League C. That means Northern Ireland cannot play fellow Pot 3 sides Cyprus, North Macedonia and Slovakia – three teams who have visited Windsor Park in recent years.
From Pot 1, O’Neill will be keen to avoid sleeping giants Sweden and Romania, with Armenia and Luxembourg likely more desirable opponents.
In Pot 2, Faroe Islands represent Northern Ireland’s best chance to get points on the board. In Pot 4, the Green and White Army will be hoping for a trip to Estonia.
Here is everything you need to know about Thursday’s Nations League draw.
The draw takes place at 5pm UK time this Thursday in Paris.
Yes, it will be available on UEFA’s official website, app and YouTube channel.
Pot 1: Romania, Sweden, Armenia, Luxembourg
Pot 2: Azerbaijan, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Faroe Islands
Pot 3: North Macedonia, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Cyprus
Pot 4: Belarus, Lithuania/Gibraltar*, Estonia, Latvia
*To be determined following the 2022/23 play-outs in March 2024
Pot 1: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Netherlands
Pot 2: Denmark, Portugal, Belgium, Hungary
Pot 3: Switzerland, Germany, Poland, France
Pot 4: Israel, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Scotland
Pot 1: Austria, Czechia, England, Wales
Pot 2: Finland, Ukraine, Iceland, Norway
Pot 3: Slovenia, Republic of Ireland, Albania, Montenegro
Pot 4: Georgia, Greece, Turkey, Kazakhstan
Pot 1: Lithuania/Gibraltar*, Moldova
Pot 2: Malta, Andorra,
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