Nations League opponents revealed

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The draw for the 2026/27 Nations League took place in Brussels, with Northern Ireland being placed in Group B2 alongside Hungary, Ukraine and Georgia.

Michael O’Neill’s side will be competing in Group B for the first time following their promotion from Group C in the last edition of the Nations League.

Northern Ireland have faced the top seeds in the group, Hungary, on seven previous occasions, with their only victory being a memorable 2-1 success in Budapest back in September 2014, which kick-started our campaign to eventual qualification for EURO 2016.

Ukraine will, of course, evoke memories of our famous 2-0 EURO 2016 victory in France, thanks to goals from the ‘Kings of Lyon’ Gareth McAuley and Niall McGinn.

Northern Ireland’s remaining opponents will be Georgia, whose only ever full international against us came in a friendly in Belfast in March 2008 when Nigel Worthington’s charges ran out 4-1 winners.

After the draw in Belgium, international manager Michael O’Neill said: “It’s a competitive group – there’s no doubt about that. At this level there are no easy games and we fully respect the challenge that lies ahead.

“We have faced Ukraine in recent years but haven’t beaten them since 2016, so there’s familiarity there.

“They are a strong, technically gifted side with experience at major tournaments, and we know we’ll have to be at our very best across both games.

“Georgia are perhaps the unknown quantity for many,” added O’Neill. “But that doesn’t make them any less dangerous.

“They’ve made significant progress over the past few years and have developed a strong identity and belief. We’ll analyse them thoroughly, but we approach those fixtures with real focus and respect

“Hungary bring back memories of EURO 2016, and they’ve continued to grow since then. They’re a well-organised, physical side with quality throughout the team and strong home support, which always makes for a tough test.

“Overall, it’s an exciting group. The Nations League has proven to be a very competitive and valuable competition for us, and we will aim to approach every game with ambition, to be difficult to play against, and to give our supporters performances they can be proud of.”

All Nations League fixtures will be included in the 2026–27 Campaign Package.

Supporters who held a 2024–25 Campaign Package will receive priority access to renew, with renewal information being issued in the coming months.

For supporters who are not currently Campaign Package holders but wish to register their interest, an Expression of Interest form is now open and can be accessed here.