Northern Ireland, Wales & Ireland Discover 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-Off Paths

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Wales have discovered their play-off paths towards potential qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Having thrashed North Macedonia 7-1 to finish runner-up in their Qualifying Group, Wales will host Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Path A semi-finals, whilst Northern Ireland face a tough trip to Italy in the other semi in that path.

The winner of Wales’ tie against Bosnia & Herzegovina will then host the Path A Play-Off Final against Italy or Northern Ireland.

Ireland were placed in Path D where they will face a trip to Czech Republic in their semi-final, before the winner of their tie will host either Denmark or North Macedonia in the Path D Play-Off Final.

Path B sees Ukraine host Graham Potter’s Sweden at a neutral venue, with the winner of that tie going on to host Poland or Albania in that path’s play-off final

Path C will see Turkey entertain Romania with the winner of their clash facing a trip to Slovakia or Kosovo in the Path C Play-Off Final.

Play-off semi-finals across Paths A-D will be played on Thursday 26 March, with the two winners within each path progressing to their respective play-off finals on Tuesday 31 March where the four final European qualifiers will be finalised.

The losing play-off semi-finalists within each path meanwhile will play one another in a friendly on 31 March.

Path A

Team 1	v	Team 2
Semi-Finals
Italy	SF1	Northern Ireland
Wales	SF2	Bosnia & Herzegovina
Final
Wales/Bosnia	v	Italy/Northern Ireland

Path B

Team 1	v	Team 2
Semi-Finals
Ukraine	SF1	Sweden
Poland	SF2	Albania
Final
Ukraine/Sweden	v	Poland/Albania

 

Path C

Team 1	v	Team 2
Semi-Finals
Turkey	SF1	Romania
Slovakia	SF2	Kosovo
Final
Slovakia/Kosovo	v	Turkey/Romania

 

Path D

Team 1	v	Team 2
Semi-Finals
Denmark	SF1	North Macedonia
Czech Republic	SF2	Ireland
Final
Czech Republic/Ireland	v	Denmark/North Macedonia