Northern Ireland were handed a tough World Cup play-off draw against Italy and could face Wales in their final should both nations advance from the semis.
Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland face a tricky trip to the Czech Republic in their first play-off match and, if victorious, will play either Denmark or North Macedonia in their final.
Wales will face Bosnia and Herzegovina at home in their semi-final and could face either Italy or Northern Ireland should they reach the final.
The play-offs will feature eight semi-finals and four finals – with the winners securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Ireland qualified for the play-off round in dramatic circumstances, with Troy Parrott netting a hat-trick in their 3-2 win against Hungary – including a 96th-minute winner.
The striker also bagged a brace in a 2-0 win over Portugal to help cement legendary status in the Irish national team.
Wales also reached the play-offs after a 7-1 thrashing of North Macedonia that included a hat-trick for Fulham winger Harry Wilson.
Despite only finishing third in their qualifying group, Northern Ireland earned a spot in March’s World Cup deciders due to their Nations League performance earlier in the year.
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Full 2026 World Cup play-off draw
Semi-finals (played March 26th, 2026):
Italy v Northern Ireland
Ukraine v Sweden
Turkey v Romania
Denmark v North Macedonia
Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina
Poland v Albania
Slovakia v Kosovo
Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland
Bet on World Cup Qualifiers here:-
Finals (played March 31st, 2026):
Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina v Italy/Northern Ireland
Ukraine/Sweden v Poland/Albania
Slovakia/Kosovo v Turkey/Romania
Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland v Denmark/North Macedonia
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