Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill views a Nations League challenge against Hungary, Ukraine and Georgia as “an exciting group” following Thursday’s draw in Belgium.

Although linked with the manager’s vacancy at Blackburn Rovers, O’Neill turned his thoughts to international commitments in Brussels for the Group B2 draw.

Having won promotion across the previous edition of the Nations League, O’Neill accepts a fresh challenge is facing Northern Ireland across the 2026/27 programme which kicks off in September.

Northern Ireland will meet the group’s top seeds, Hungary, having record one win in seven previous fixtures – a 2-1 victory away in September 2014 towards EURO 2016 finals qualification.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill. (Photo by Liam McBurney/PA Wire)

Ukraine’s challenge offers fans a chance to think back to the 2-0 victory at EURO 2016.

The one previous full international meeting with Georgia came during March 2008 as Northern Ireland recorded a 4-1 home success in Belfast.

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“It’s a competitive group...there’s no doubt about that,” said O’Neill. “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...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.”

The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 dates are as follows: Matchday 1 – September 24-26, 2026; Matchday 2: September 27-29, 2026; Matchday 3: September 30-October 03, 2026; Matchday 4: October 04-06, 2026; Matchday 5: November 12-14, 2026; Matchday 6: November 15-17, 2026; League A quarter-finals: March 25-30, 2027; League A/B and B/C play-offs: March 25-30, 2027; Final tournament: June 9-13, 2027.