Pitched against Germany, Slovakia and Luxembourg in qualifying, Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland side were always unlikely to take Group A’s sole automatic place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The expected straight shootout with Slovakia for the runners-up spot did not materialise thanks to Germany’s surprise defeat in Bratislava, but by the time Northern Ireland travelled to Kosice in their penultimate match they were virtually assured of their play-off place anyway thanks to their Nations League C triumph in 2024.
Their last-gasp defeat, therefore, mattered only for seeding, although that loomed larger when Northern Ireland were later paired with Italy in an away semi-final.
Regardless of their ultimate lack of impact on the qualification picture, the six games were far from futile for O’Neill as the young panel he has utilised during his second spell looks increasingly at home on the international stage.
Sunderland duo Trai Hume and Daniel Ballard both showed the value of regular Premier League football through the campaign and, whether it be through January of summer moves, O’Neill will hope 2026 brings more top-flight exposure for yet more of his squad.
Thanks to the form of Swansea’s Ethan Galbraith, O’Neill now seems settled on 10 of his preferred XI, should all be fit to face Italy in Bergamo.
The one question mark remains over the number nine, a problem position for the side since Kyle Lafferty’s goals fired them to Euro 2016.
Tottenham’s Jamie Donley took on the role against Luxembourg last time out, scoring the winner from the penalty spot, but continues to struggle for minutes on loan at Stoke.
Whether the 20-year-old can hold on to the jersey for the play-off and beyond despite a lack of club football will be another key storyline through the year.
Ultimately, a first World Cup in four decades remains the overarching goal but O’Neill has previously said he believes this group has a major tournament in them, whether now or in the future.
Win or lose in Italy, with a step up to the second-tier of the Nations League to come in November, continued improvement from the young squad at both club and international level would still represent an encouraging year.
