The road to the 2026 World Cup is heating up! Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland are all battling it out in the play-offs for a chance to reach the coveted tournament. The draw, set to take place this Thursday at 12pm UK time, will determine their fate.
How Do the Play-offs Work?
Forget the old system! This time around, teams that didn't quite snag a top-two spot in their UEFA qualifying group but shone in the 2024/25 Nations League tournament get another shot. This adds two extra play-off spots compared to the 2022 World Cup, making things even more exciting (and a little more complicated!).
Four European nations will ultimately secure their place at the World Cup through these play-offs. The format involves four 'paths,' each representing a vacant spot at the finals. Each path includes a team from four different seeding pots. Pots 1-3 are determined by November's FIFA World Rankings, while Pot 4 comprises countries qualifying via their Nations League performance.
Key Details for the Draw
- When: Thursday at 12:00 GMT
- Where: FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland
- What: The draw will determine the play-off paths for the remaining World Cup spots.
The semi-finals are scheduled for Thursday, March 26th, with kick-off times at 17:00 GMT or 19:45 GMT. The finals will follow on Tuesday, March 31st, with kick-off times also at 17:00 BST or 19:45 BST.
Home Advantage Matters
Wales has secured a home semi-final, giving them a significant boost. Unfortunately, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will have to fight for their place away from home. Securing a spot in Pot 1 or Pot 2 guarantees a home semi-final, making it a crucial advantage.
The draw starts with Pot 1 and concludes with Pot 4, adding to the suspense and anticipation. Will Wales, Northern Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland make it to the World Cup? Tune in to find out!