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Wales and Northern Ireland set for high-stakes World Cup play-offs
Wales and Northern Ireland are on a potential collision course to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup European play-off final, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the tournament set to be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The semi-finals, scheduled for 26 March, will see Wales host Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Northern Ireland travels to face four-time world champions Italy. Should both emerge victorious, they will clash in a final hosted by Wales on 31 March.
The draw, conducted in Switzerland, paired top-seeded teams from Pot 1 with Pot 4 opponents, while Pot 2 sides hosted Pot 3 teams. The winners of each path will secure one of the four remaining European places at the expanded 48-team World Cup. A total of 16 teams-12 from second-place finishes in qualifying groups and four via the Nations League-are competing in the play-offs.
Path A: Wales and Italy headline high-profile clashes
In Path A, Wales will face Bosnia-Herzegovina at home, a rematch of their pivotal Euro 2016 qualifier in which Wales secured their first major tournament berth in 58 years. A victory would set up a potential final against Italy or Northern Ireland, with Wales retaining home advantage-a familiar scenario for Rob Page's side. Since the introduction of single-leg semi-finals and finals, Wales have played all four of their play-off matches at Cardiff City Stadium; a win in March could extend that streak to six.
Northern Ireland, meanwhile, faces a daunting task against Italy, the highest-ranked team in the play-offs (per FIFA rankings). Historically, Northern Ireland has struggled against the Azzurri, with just one win in 11 encounters-a 2-1 victory in 1958 that propelled them to the World Cup in Sweden. Manager Michael O'Neill acknowledged the challenge, noting, "The pressure is very much on Italy," though his side would still face an away final against Wales or Bosnia if they advance.
"The pressure is very much on Italy."
Michael O'Neill, Northern Ireland manager
Republic of Ireland and Denmark eye Path D showdown
In Path D, the Republic of Ireland will travel to the Czech Republic, with the winner earning the right to host a final against either Denmark or North Macedonia. The Irish have a mixed record against the Czechs, adding intrigue to a tie where home advantage in the final could prove decisive.
Elsewhere, Path B features Ukraine vs. Sweden and Poland vs. Albania, while Path C pits Turkey against Romania and Slovakia against Kosovo. The winners of each path will join the 32 teams already qualified for the 2026 tournament.
Intercontinental play-offs draw reveals Mexico as host
The draw for the intercontinental play-offs was also finalized, with matches set to take place in Mexico during the late-March international break. Six teams will compete for two World Cup spots:
- Semi-final 1: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica
- Final 1: DR Congo vs. winner of New Caledonia/Jamaica
- Semi-final 2: Bolivia vs. Suriname
- Final 2: Iraq vs. winner of Bolivia/Suriname
The two highest-seeded teams, DR Congo and Iraq, will enter at the final stage, facing the winners of the semi-finals.
World Cup draw looms as England and Scotland await fate
The main 2026 World Cup draw is scheduled for 5 December in Washington DC, where England and Scotland-both already qualified-will learn their group-stage opponents. The play-off winners will join them, completing the 48-team lineup for the first-ever World Cup spread across three nations.
Key dates
- 26 March 2026: Play-off semi-finals (one-leg ties)
- 31 March 2026: Play-off finals (hosted by semi-final winners)
- Late March 2026: Intercontinental play-offs (Mexico)
- 5 December 2025: World Cup draw (Washington DC)
