Northern Ireland to Host Belarus in Nations League

Northern Ireland's UEFA Nations League match against Belarus will take place at Windsor Park in Belfast on November 15 after the UK government granted visas to the Belarusian team. There was uncertainty surrounding the match due to the UK government's policy on Belarusian athletes amid the Ukraine conflict, which typically restricts their participation under a neutral flag. Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson expressed confidence in the match proceeding at its scheduled venue. The previous game between the two teams was held behind closed doors in Hungary, ending in a 0-0 draw. Currently, Northern Ireland tops League C Group 3, ahead of Belarus and Bulgaria, and concludes their campaign with a match against Luxembourg on November 18. Manager Michael O’Neill had emphasized the importance of playing at home, deeming it unfair to relocate the match.