Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland now know exactly what stands between them and a place at the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic playoff draw mapped out their potential journeys. Each team faces a different level of difficulty, but all three nations will feel there is opportunity if they can find form in March.
Wales will welcome Bosnia & Herzegovina to Cardiff in their semi-final, a match buoyed by their powerful momentum after a stunning 7–1 victory over North Macedonia. Craig Bellamy’s side need only two home wins to secure their return to football’s grandest global stage.
Northern Ireland face a far more daunting challenge with an away semi-final against Italy. Despite the former champions’ inconsistent form, they remain strong favourites on home soil. Should Northern Ireland pull off an upset, they could meet Wales in what would be a thrilling all-British final.
The Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, are optimistic after a remarkable week in which Troy Parrott scored five goals across two matches. Their semi-final trip to Prague to face Czech Republic will be demanding, but a potential home final against Denmark or North Macedonia could finally deliver their first World Cup appearance since 2002.
Europe will send four teams to the World Cup through these playoffs, with semi-finals on 26 March and finals five days later. Other paths include Ukraine vs Sweden and a Poland–Albania showdown. In the inter-confederation draw, Jamaica and Bolivia were handed promising routes in matches staged in Mexico.