Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has welcomed the team's Nations League draw, which pits them against Hungary, Ukraine, and Georgia in League B. The campaign kicks off with a quadruple-header from September 23 to October 6, followed by two matches in November. Before the Nations League begins, Northern Ireland faces Italy in a World Cup play-off semi-final in March.

O'Neill's side earned promotion to League B by winning their League C group in 2024, securing a play-off spot. The manager describes the draw as "exciting" and emphasizes that "there are no easy games" at this level. Northern Ireland famously defeated Ukraine at Euro 2016 but lost a friendly to them in 2021. Hungary, relegated from League A last year, and Georgia, featuring PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, complete the group.

Former Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan believes the draw "could have been a lot worse" and suggests avoiding relegation would be seen as progress. Craigan identifies away form as the next challenge for this young squad, noting their record away from home needs improvement despite strong performances in recent World Cup qualifiers.