The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup European play-offs has concluded, revealing the paths Wales, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland must navigate to secure their places in the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 26, 2026, with the finals taking place five days later on March 31.
Wales
Wales, after their dominant 7-1 victory over North Macedonia, secured a home semi-final. They will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Cardiff. Should Wales emerge victorious, they will remain at home to face the winner of Italy vs. Northern Ireland in the play-off final. Securing a home final is a significant advantage for Craig Bellamy's squad, promising a vociferous home crowd.
Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland will face a challenging away fixture against the Czech Republic in their semi-final. If they overcome the Czechs, they will then play either Denmark or North Macedonia in Dublin in the final. The opportunity to host the final in Dublin, should they progress, is a major incentive for Heimir Hallgrímsson's team.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland faces a daunting task, drawn away against Italy in their semi-final. Should they cause an upset and defeat the Azzurri, they will then face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the venue to be in Wales.
Play-off Format
Sixteen teams are competing in the European play-offs for the final four European spots at the 2026 World Cup. The play-offs consist of four paths, each with single-leg knockout matches. Each path includes teams from four seeding pots. The semi-final pairings are Pot 1 vs Pot 4 and Pot 2 vs Pot 3. The winners of each semi-final then progress to a final to determine the World Cupqualification.
The draw for which semi-final winner hosts the final was also conducted, adding another layer of anticipation.
With England and Scotland already qualified, the potential for three more home nations, plus the Republic of Ireland, to join them in North America is still alive. The play-off semi-finals will be held on March 26, with the finals taking place on March 31.
