Wales Handed Favourable Path as All-Ireland Drama Looms in World Cup Playoffs

The race for four European playoff spots at the 2026 World Cup intensified as Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland discovered their routes to qualification. The draw created the possibility of a dramatic Wales–Northern Ireland showdown if both nations win their semi-finals.
Wales will be pleased to play their semi-final at home in Cardiff against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Fresh off a commanding 7–1 win over North Macedonia, confidence is soaring for a squad that has rediscovered its attacking edge at the perfect moment.
Northern Ireland, however, must battle past Italy in a daunting away fixture. The Italians have struggled recently, but their pedigree and home advantage mean Northern Ireland will need one of the biggest performances in their modern history to advance.
The Republic of Ireland travel to Prague to face Czech Republic in a high-stakes semi-final. Encouraged by Troy Parrott’s extraordinary five-goal week, the Irish believe they can spring another surprise. Should they progress, a home final against Denmark or North Macedonia awaits.
Elsewhere in the playoff draw, Ukraine were paired with Sweden, while Poland meet Albania in another tense semi-final. The inter-confederation pairings also raised intrigue, with Jamaica and Iraq among those handed inviting matchups in games hosted in Mexico.