The path to glory for the home nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been partially mapped out following the official draw ceremony in Washington D.C. on Friday, December 5, 2025. While England and Scotland discovered their immediate group stage opponents, the fates of Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland hinge on crucial play-off matches scheduled for March.
England's Group L: A Chance for Revenge
England have been drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Panama, and Ghana. Their opening match of the tournament in North America will be a highly anticipated rematch against Croatia, the team that famously ended their World Cup dreams in the semi-finals of the 2018 tournament in Russia. This fixture immediately adds a narrative of redemption to Gareth Southgate's squad's campaign.
The group also presents a reunion with Panama, whom England defeated 6-1 in the 2018 group stage, and Ghana, offering a fresh challenge. The draw sets a clear initial objective for the Three Lions: to navigate a group featuring a familiar foe and secure a strong position for the knockout stages.
Scotland's Tough Group C Assignment
Scotland's quest in Group C begins with a match against Haiti. However, the formidable challenge in the section comes from five-time champions Brazil and African giants Morocco. Intriguingly, this is a repeat of a group from the 1998 World Cup in France, where Brazil and Morocco were also paired with Scotland.
Steve Clarke's side will need to harness all their recent tournament experience to progress from a pool that promises high-quality football and significant tactical battles from the very first whistle.
Play-Off Pressure for Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland
For the other home nations, the journey to the finals remains unfinished. Their potential groups were revealed, but participation is contingent on winning tense play-off ties next March.
Wales must first overcome Bosnia and Herzegovina in a semi-final play-off in Cardiff. A victory would set up a final against either Italy or Northern Ireland. Should they triumph in both matches, they would enter Group B with Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.
Northern Ireland face a similarly daunting route, requiring a win against Italy to then play either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Success would see them join the same Group B as their potential final opponents, Wales.
The Republic of Ireland are paired against the Czech Republic in their play-off semi-final. A win there would lead to a final against either North Macedonia or Denmark. If they secure qualification, they will be placed in a challenging Group D with joint-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea.
The draw has set the stage for a dramatic build-up to the expanded 48-team tournament. While England and Scotland can begin detailed planning, the football fans of Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland face an anxious wait until the play-offs in March 2026 determine whether their World Cup dreams will be realised.
