Northern Ireland: What’s at stake for McArdle in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers?

Türkiye, Northern Ireland’s next opponents, are one point ahead of them on seven points.

Their meeting could therefore be crucial in terms of securing second place.

Türkiye won 1-0 when the sides met earlier in the campaign, but NI will take confidence from their performances under McArdle so far.

While the final two matches will not affect Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off places, McArdle believes the result could have long-term consequences.

“A higher finish gives you that ranking for the next round of UEFA Nations League draws,” McArdle said.

“The actual Path One and Path Two (for World Cup qualifiers) are still the same. It gives you a slight seeding difference, but their impact on the two paths is irrelevant.

“So, second and third, unfortunately, are very similar in terms of play-off qualification, but when it comes to seeding next year for the Nations League draw, it has little impact.”