Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill believes Sweden will provide a 'good test' for his side after it was confirmed the sides will meet on March 26.

The friendly will act as vital preparation for the start of the World Cup qualifiers next September. Northern Ireland will play either Germany or Italy, Slovakia and Luxembourg in Group A.

Sweden boast plenty of Premier League talent including Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, Tottenham Hotspur attacker Dejan Kulusevski and Nottingham Forest attacker Anthony Elanga.

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Their squad also includes Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres and Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

The game will be played at Strawberry Arena on Tuesday, March 25 with a 6pm kick-off (UK time).

O’Neill said: “The game will be a great opportunity to test ourselves against a higher ranked team similar to what we will face in World Cup 2026 qualification.

“Sweden are currently a Pot 2 team with two of Europe’s most sought after strikers in Gyokeres and Isak.

“We have made progress in the last 12 months, continuing to introduce younger players into the squad and developing a system and style of play. It’s important we test ourselves at every opportunity and this game will allow us to do that.”

Northern Ireland earned promotion in their recent UEFA Nations League campaign, as did Sweden Sweden who were unbeaten as they topped League C Group 1, which also featured Slovakia, Estonia and Azerbaijan. They won five of their six games and drew with the Slovakians away from home.

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