Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales learn 2026 World Cup play-off opponents

The 2026 World Cup ball
The 2026 World Cup ballFABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

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.

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

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