The final rounds of Nations League games over the next week will bring the 2026 World Cup sharply into focus in Europe.Standout games include Italy hosting France — who will again be without captain Kylian Mbappé — on Sunday,

BBC Sport looks at what England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have to play for in the Nations League - and how it ties into the World Cup.

What do England need to gain promotion from the Nations League and what are the permutations? And how could they also secure a World Cup play-off spot?

The final rounds of Nations League games over the next week will bring the 2026 World Cup sharply into focus in Europe.

Promotion to League B feels like the next natural step for NI, but it could also creak open a back door into the World Cup in 2026. Let's take a look at the potential implications. Northern Ireland started their campaign at home to Luxembourg, when Paddy McNair and Daniel Ballard netted in a 2-0 win.