Michael O'Neill insists 'fearless' Northern Ireland will 'give everything' to achieve World Cup dream
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill insists his “young, fearless squad” will give everything to achieve their World Cup dream.
O’Neill was in attendance for Friday’s draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC alongside world football’s elite and US President Donald Trump as participants discovered their fate for the showpiece event being hosted by America, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Northern Ireland are aiming to take part in their first World Cup in 40 years and now know their complete schedule should they come through a testing play-off route, which starts with March’s semi-final showdown against four-time champions Italy.
O’Neill’s men would provide the opposition for hosts Canada’s opening match at BMO Field in Toronto on June 12 – it would be the competition’s third fixture overall after Mexico vs South Africa and South Korea’s meeting with an unknown European qualifier, potentially the Republic of Ireland.
They would then face Switzerland on June 18 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California before rounding out their group stage with a clash against Qatar on June 24 at Lumen Field, Seattle.
Participation remains a dream at this stage for Northern Ireland with the Italians awaiting in Bergamo and the winner then travelling to either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a final on March 31.
“The draw was a fantastic spectacle and it’s always a privilege to be part of it,” said O’Neill. “We know there are significant hurdles to overcome before we can think too far ahead, so we’ll stay grounded.
"But this is a young, fearless squad, growing in confidence all the time. We have an opportunity to reach a World Cup, and this group will give everything it has to make that a reality.
“Preparation for the play-off is absolutely vital and that work has already begun. If we allow ourselves a brief glance at the potential opponents in Group B, we know it will be challenging but certainly not insurmountable. To play a host nation too would be particularly special.
“For us, it’s about taking it step by step — and that starts with Italy in March.”