Northern Ireland's national football team has officially started its 2026 Nations League campaign, with several key topics under discussion, including the future of 18-year-old Ceadach O'Neill and the international eligibility of Arsenal forward O'Neill. The 28-man squad announced by manager Michael O'Neill includes the young player, who is expected to earn more caps for Northern Ireland. This decision appears to rule out any potential switch to the Republic of Ireland, despite an approach from that nation. The team will play four matches in 11 days, starting with a trip to Georgia on 25 September and ending with a home match against the same opponent on 5 October, with fixtures against Hungary and Ukraine in between. This will be the first time since June 2022 that Northern Ireland will play four games in the same international window. Manager Michael O'Neill has voiced concerns about the demanding schedule, noting that smaller football associations face a higher risk of injury or suspension. He mentioned that the four-game window is likely to be used again next year for Euro 2028 qualifying. This campaign represents an increase in both the quality and number of matches, with challenges from Georgia's star player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whom O'Neill describes as one of the best players in the world. These matches will be Northern Ireland's first in the second tier of the Nations League since 2020. O'Neill emphasized the importance of individual brilliance in deciding crucial matches, referencing how many World Cup games have hinged on standout performances. However, he will be without captain Conor Bradley, who has missed several games due to injury and suspension. Bradley has missed seven Northern Ireland matches since the start of 2025, and his absence is expected to continue throughout the campaign. O'Neill expressed that it would be a "bonus" to see his captain before the start of Euro 2028 qualifying in March. The squad features a young core, with an average age of 24 and four teenagers: Ceadach O'Neill, Kieran Morrison, Braiden Graham, and Tom Atcheson. Only Paddy McNair, 31, is older than 26, with Dion Charles, 30, and Josh Magennis, 36, being the only other players older than 30. O'Neill expects to continue using Jamie Donley, 21, as the central striker, despite a challenging 2025-26 season on loan at Stoke City and Oxford United. Donley will spend the year with Luton Town, back on loan in League One, where he impressed for Leyton Orient in the 2024-25 season.