Dramatic Draw Sets Stage for World Cup Playoff Battles
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup became clearer for the home nations as the European playoff draw was conducted, setting up a series of tantalising fixtures scheduled for March. Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland all learned their potential paths to the global showpiece, with the possibility of a fiery British showdown on the cards.
Home Nations Learn Their Playoff Fate
For Craig Bellamy’s Wales, the draw appears particularly favourable. Riding a wave of confidence after a stunning 7-1 victory over North Macedonia, the Welsh team will host Bosnia & Herzegovina in the semi-final. A win in that home tie would see them play the final in Cardiff, where they could face a familiar foe. Northern Ireland, however, face a monumental challenge. They must travel to face a struggling but still formidable Italy in their semi-final. Should both Wales and Northern Ireland triumph in their respective semi-finals, they would meet in Cardiff for a final that would send one of them to the World Cup.
The Republic of Ireland, revitalised by Troy Parrott's incredible five-goal haul in recent wins over Portugal and Hungary, will travel to face the Czech Republic. Should Stephen Kenny's side overcome that hurdle, they would be rewarded with a home final against either Denmark or North Macedonia, a scenario that will fuel hopes of a first World Cup finals appearance since 2002.
Other Playoff Paths and Global Contenders
The European playoff system, which will decide four qualifying spots for the expanded World Cup, features two other intriguing pathways. In one, Ukraine will face Sweden, with the winner hosting the victor of the clash between Poland and Albania. The other path will see Slovakia or Kosovo host a final against Turkey or Romania.
Separately, the inter-confederation playoffs also took shape. Jamaica, now seeking a new manager after Steve McClaren's resignation, will fancy their chances against New Caledonia, with the winner facing the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the other inter-confederation bracket, Bolivia and Suriname will play off for the right to face Iraq. These decisive matches are set to be held in the Mexican cities of Monterrey and Guadalajara during the same March international window.
The stage is now set for a dramatic conclusion to the qualification process, with the semi-finals scheduled for 26 March and the finals to follow just five days later on the 31st.
