All you need to know for Northern Ireland v Iceland

Tanya Oxtoby's Northern Ireland are aiming to win promotion to League A for the first time

Nations League play-off: Northern Ireland v Iceland

Dates: Friday, 24 October & Tuesday, 28 October Kick-off: 19:00 BST (Friday) & 18:00 GMT (Tuesday) Venues: Ballymena Showgrounds & Laugardalsvollur Stadium, Reykjavik

Coverage: Both matches are live on BBC iPlayer with live text commentary and in-play clips on the BBC Sport website and app.

Northern Ireland are back in action and have the chance to make history against Iceland.

Tanya Oxtoby's side will be underdogs in the Nations League play-off, which takes place over two legs.

From the form guide, squad update and BBC Sport coverage, here's all you need to know.

What are Northern Ireland playing for?

Northern Ireland are looking to win promotion League A in the Nations League for the first time.

Since the Nations League started in 2023, Northern Ireland have always been in League B and this is their first shot at reaching the top flight.

Being in League A has a benefit when it comes to qualifying for major tournaments, such as the 2027 World Cip, which follow the same format as the Nations League and sides who are in the top division can benefit from either automatic qualification or joining the play-offs against lower-ranked opposition.

How did Northern Ireland get here?

Simone Magill scored two late goals as Northern Ireland beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-2 in February

Northern Ireland finished second in their Nations League group behind winners Poland.

NI started League B2 with a 2-0 defeat in Poland in February, and needed captain Simone Magill to pop up with two late goals in a dramatic 3-2 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Larne.

A draw in Romania was followed by Kascie Weir's goal in a 1-0 win in the return game in Belfast, before Poland ran out 4-0 winners at Seaview in May.

Oxtoby's side secured a promotion play-off place with a 1-1 draw with Bosnia in Zenica in May, which was the last time they have played together.

How can I watch the games?

You can watch both legs of Northern Ireland's Nations League play-off on BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport app and website.

The first leg in Ballymena takes place on Friday, 24 October and kick-off is at 19:00 BST.

The return fixture on Tuesday, 28 October, is in Reykjavik and kick-off is at 18:00 GMT.

What about Iceland?

Iceland exited Euro 2025 without a victory in a group with hosts Switzerland, Norway and Finland

Iceland fell into the play-off after finishing third in their group in League A behind France and Norway.

They didn't actually win a game but draws against Norway and Switzerland were credible, and France only narrowly won the first match between the sides.

Things didn't go as well for Iceland at Euro 2025 as they finished bottom of Group A without a point with Norway, Finland and Switzerland.

Despite a tournament to forget in Switzerland, and their pre-Euros friendly win over Serbia is their only victory in the last 12 months, they still have dangerous players.

Captain Glodis Perla Viggosdottir is a 140-capped defender who plays for Bayern Munich, while goalkeeper Cecilia Ran Runarsdottir and midfielder Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir both play for Inter Milan.

Who is missing for Northern Ireland?

Oxtoby will be without several key players for the play-off with Iceland.

Captain Simone Magill is the biggest name to miss out after the Birmingham City striker picked up a hip injury.

Defenders Laura Rafferty and Ellie Mason are out injured, as are midfielders Brenna McPartlan and Chloe McCarron.

Rachel Dugdale and Rachel Furness have both retired since Northern Ireland's last game in May.

There is, however, a return for experienced defender Sarah McFadden, while Kerry Beattie, Casey Howe and Toni-Leigh Finnegan are also back in the squad.

There are also first call-ups for Glentoran teenager Mia Moore and San Diego-born striker Leyla McFarland.