Northern Ireland in tough Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying group with Italy and Switzerland

Northern Ireland have been drawn in a tough 2022 World Cup qualifying group with Italy, Switzerland, Bulgaria and Lithuania.
Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough.Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough.
Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough.

The draw will renew hostilities with Switzerland, who controversially defeated Northern Ireland in a playoff for the 20218 tournament.

The Republic of Ireland will take on Portugal, Serbia, Luxembourg and Azerbaijan.

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Only group winners will be guaranteed qualification for the Qatar tournament.

The runners-up in each group will be involved in play-off games, which will also feature two teams that progress via the UEFA Nations League.

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