Northern Ireland’s 1-0 Nations League win over Ukraine on Saturday moved them one step closer to sealing League A promotion - but it also had an impact on the upcoming Euro 2028 qualifying draw, boosting chances of securing major tournament progress.

Terry Devlin’s sublime long-range strike ensured Michael O’Neill’s side extended their unbeaten run and maintained a one-point advantage over Hungary at the summit ahead of travelling to Budapest on Tuesday night.

Gaining entry to the Nations League’s top-tier would represent a remarkable achievement - the lowest-ranked team currently in League A based on FIFA rankings is Czechia at 52, 12 places higher than Northern Ireland, who continue to punch above their weight.

It would also complete a second consecutive promotion after Northern Ireland reigned supreme in their League C group in 2024.

placeholder image — Brodie Spencer and Pierce Charles celebrate after Northern Ireland's win over Ukraine. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

While finishing the job against Hungary will be Northern Ireland’s sole focus, Saturday’s success officially guaranteed a spot for O’Neill’s men in Pot Two of the Euro 2028 qualifying draw, which takes place in Belfast on December 6.

It means they’ll avoid another of Europe’s top teams in their bid to reach the major tournament – the likes of Austria, Switzerland, Sweden and Turkiye could have provided stern tests if Northern Ireland had dropped to Pot Three.

Northern Ireland will have to play one team from Pot One with the likes of reigning World Cup kings Spain, France, Portugal and familiar foes Germany all potential opponents.

Whether Northern Ireland win their Nations League group or not will also have an impact on their path.

If Northern Ireland were to finish top of League B2, they’d be more likely to be placed in a Euro 2028 qualification group of five countries, but if they were to come second, they’d be one of four teams in a group.

That’s because O’Neill’s men – if they finish behind Hungary in the Nations League – would be busy with a Nations League play-off in March.

If Northern Ireland finish top of their Nations League group, they’ll begin Euro 2028 qualifying on March 26/27 before further matches on March 29/30, June 11/12 and June 14/15.

However, if Northern Ireland finish second, they'd not get their Euro 2028 qualifying campaign underway until September 23-25.

O’Neill’s side will once again play four matches across an extended international window in September/October 2027 before two further games in November.

Topping their Nations League group could also offer Northern Ireland another route to the major tournament with winners who fail to finish in the top two of their Euro 2028 qualifying group eligible for a play-off place.

Sealing a spot in Pot Two shows the progress currently being made by an exciting young Northern Ireland squad.

Northern Ireland were seeded in Pot Five for the 2024 draw and had to face both Germany and the Netherlands in their 2020 qualification group after being placed in Pot Three.

O’Neill’s men famously upset the odds for the 2016 tournament, topping their qualifying group as a Pot Five team.

Speaking ahead of the current international window, O’Neill said on seedings: "Look, it is important.

"We've had draws in the past that haven't been particularly kind to us. I've been drawn with Germany in three qualification groups.

"When automatic qualification means you have to win the group, being drawn with Germany is not a great scenario for any nation to be in, it becomes difficult.

"I don't get too bogged down in it really...every nation outside of the top nations have cycles and sometimes you'll get a team that you think is at the bottom of a cycle but actually they're starting to do well.

"We just have to take what comes when the draw is made for 2028 in December."