Saturday, November 23, 2024

Northern Ireland: How the Nations League could be a back door to the World Cup

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Winning their Nations League group could also expand Northern Ireland’s possible routes into the World Cup in 2026.

Now, it has to be emphasised there is a lot of football to be played and plenty of ifs, buts and maybes – but stick with us.

Putting the Nations League to one side for the moment, the number of European teams in the 2026 World Cup will rise to 16.

When qualifying begins next spring, the 12 group winners will automatically qualify for the finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The 12 runners-up will qualify for a play-off, and will be joined by four group winners from the Nations League.

Now this is where it gets slightly complicated and Northern Ireland’s Nations League finish becomes all the more important.

The four highest-ranked Nations League group winners who did not automatically qualify for the finals or secure a play-off through the traditional qualifying route will therefore be the nations that move into those extra play-off spots.

The 16 play-off teams will face a one-legged semi-final and final to determine which four teams will join the 12 group winners in the Americas.

First of all, for an idea of who it could be you have to take a look at the current group leaders in the Nations League.

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