Northern Ireland to face Germany in World Cup qualifying

Germany and Northern Ireland met in the Euro 2020 qualifiers

Northern Ireland will take on Germany in World Cup qualifying Group A after Julian Nagelsmann's side beat Italy in the Nations League play-offs.

Germany led 2-1 after the first leg in the San Siro and raced into a 3-0 advantage in the second leg at Signal Iduna Park.

Italy fought back to level the game at 3-3 on the night, but it wasn't enough as Germany progressed 5-4 on aggregate to reach the semi-finals.

They will now be top seeds in Group A of the World Cup qualifiers, which start in September as it is a four-team group.

Germany were Northern Ireland's opposition in the Euro 2020 qualifiers with the Germans triumphing 2-0 in Belfast before going on to earn a thumping 6-1 victory in Frankfurt.

Michael O'Neill's side will be away against Germany on Sunday, 7 September and the return encounter in Belfast on Monday, 13 October.

Meanwhile, Portugal will be in Republic of Ireland's group after overcoming Denmark 5-3 on aggregate in their play-offs quarter-final.

Portugal will host the Irish in Group F on 11 October with the return match in Dublin on 13 November.

Only group winners will secure automatic spots in the USA, Canada and Mexico with the 12 runners-up going through to play-offs, where four qualifying berths will be available.