Northern Ireland have already clinched a play-off position for the World Cup, yet much remains at stake in their forthcoming qualifiers.

Promotion to League A and avoiding a drop to League C are major concerns for Michael McArdle's side, meaning they must remain focused during these two matches.

The team stays unbeaten under the new manager, but the upcoming clashes with the sides above them in League B Group 2 will test them more than before.

BBC Sport NI explores the possible results as the last round of games nears.

Promotion to League A

Teams in League B cannot gain direct World Cup entry this round unlike those in League A, and must instead go through play-offs.

Group winners in League B also earn promotion to League A for the following Nations League.

Northern Ireland sit third, four points behind Switzerland, so promotion hopes are limited with two games left.

A play-off spot is assured no matter the results, but first place ends if they lose to Turkey or draw while Switzerland do not lose to Malta.

Northern Ireland must win both remaining games and hope Switzerland plus Turkey drop points elsewhere to finish top.

NI have never reached a World Cup, and promotion to League A would allow regular tests against top European sides.

Second Spot

Turkey lead Northern Ireland by one point on seven, so their next match could decide second place.

Turkey won the earlier meeting 1-0, yet NI gain belief from recent displays under McArdle.

Though the final games do not change the play-off place, McArdle sees longer-term effects from the outcomes.

"The higher finish gives you that ranking for the next round of the Uefa Nations League for the draws," McArdle said.

"The actual path one and path two for the World Cup qualifiers are still the same. It gives you slight seeding differences, but the effect that they have on path two are irrelevant.

"So, second and third, unfortunately, are very similar when it comes to the play-off qualification, but when it comes to next year's seedings for the Nations League draw, it has a slight impact."

Relegation to League C

In the worst case, Northern Ireland risk relegation from League B if other results go against them and they gain too few points from their last two games.

The four lowest teams in League B drop automatically, and the two weakest third-placed sides also fall to League C.

Slovakia, Latvia, Israel, Albania, and Montenegro might end third in their groups with points equal to or better than Northern Ireland.

McArdle stressed the need to "control our own destiny" with strong results in the final fixtures.

"We don't want to be slipping into League C," he said.

"So, that's the other aspect that drives us as well is making sure that if we can get a result or two results in these two games, then that means we control our own destiny with regards to League B as well."

Chance for Younger Players to Shine Ahead of Play-off

Recent years have seen transition, with the squad's average age under 24 in the final qualifiers.

Despite limited European experience, NI have shown promise, with several young players securing senior roles.

McArdle has included uncapped Cora Chambers and added Emily Cassap, new to the senior group.

"I think the big incentive is trying to get better all the time, so we want to continue to progress and continue to aim high and see what comes and test ourselves.

"There's various projects at the moment within the one goal of qualifying for tournaments. Some of those projects are investment in players and some of those players are youth players where we have to invest to see if they are capable and if they are capable, we have to give more minutes, more caps, more camp experience.

"At the moment, this is an opportunity to invest in a couple of the younger players to see what they've got and see if they can contribute and we believe they can."