Andy Gray
BBC SportNI

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

When World Cup qualifying starts next spring, the twelve group winners will automatically qualify for the final. The twelve runners-up qualify for a play-off and are joined by four group winners from the Nations League.

The four highest ranked Nations League group winners who doesn’t automatically qualified for the final or Securing a play-off via the traditional qualification route will therefore be the countries that advance to those extra play-off spots.

The easiest and most straightforward way for Northern Ireland to reach the play-offs or finals is to finish in the top two of their World Cup qualifying group.

Should Northern Ireland top League C3 in the Nations League but then face a difficult World Cup qualifying draw, O’Neill will want the other Nations League group winners to finish in their top two qualifying groups.

Although Northern Ireland are in the third tier, they would move up the Nations League group winners table if the traditional bigger nations qualify as expected or secure a play-off.