World Cup 2026 play-off draw live: Wales, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland learn opponents

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The Independent

·20 November 2025

World Cup 2026 play-off draw live: Wales, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland learn opponents

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Wales, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland all now know their path to next summer's World Cup 2026 after the play-off draw.

Next March's ties are now set with Wales facing Bosnia and Herzegovina before a potential mouthwatering clash with four-time winners Italy or Northern Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland, fresh from their thrilling qualifying wins over Portugal and Hungary, will take on Czechia first, before a potential final with Denmark or North Macedonia.

Here is how the play-off draw unfolded and the latest reaction with hopes and dreams of featuring in the USA, Canada and Mexico still alive for 16 nations.