Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI

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

When World Cup qualifying begins next spring, the 12 group winners will automatically qualify for the finals. The 12 runners-up will qualify for a play-off, and will be joined by four group winners from the Nations League.

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.

Now, the easiest and most straight-forward 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 get a difficult World Cup qualifying draw, O’Neill will want the other Nations League group winners to finish in their top two of their qualifying groups.

While Northern Ireland are in the third tier, they would move their way up the list of rankings of Nations League group winners if the traditional bigger nations qualify or secure a play-off as expected.