World Cup Play-Offs: Wales to host Bosnia and Irish nations face tough away games | OneFootball

World Cup 2026

Waless will play Bosnia while Northern Ireland face Italy and ROI get Czech Republic

The play-off draw to determine the last four qualifiers for next year's World Cup from the UEFA section was made today and it wasn't kind to the home nations...

Bosnia up first before potential clash with Italy

Wales will have to navigate through two home games if they are to reach the 2026 World Cup following today's play-off draw.

That's the good news for Craig Bellamy and his team, the bad news is that they were drawn against one of the highest-ranked teams, Bosnia, in the semi-final before potentially hosting four-time world champions Italy in a winner-takes-all final.

Bellamy's men thrashed North Macedonia on Tuesday night to finish second in their World Cup qualifying group which ensured they would be drawn at home in today's semi-final draw. Bosnia could only finish second in their qualifying group behind Austria so the Dragons should be very confident of reaching the final.

Should they do so then Bellamy's men will host the winners of Italy v Northern Ireland, so although a meeting with the Azzurri is the most likely outcome, a home nations clash can't be ruled out. Northern Ireland could only manage third during qualifying but were awarded a place in today's play-off draw thanks to their Nations League ranking.

Italy can be backed at 28/1 to win next year's World Cup, the shortest price of any of the 16 European nations to be involved involved in the play-offs. Wales are ranked as 500/1 outsiders.

Dream still alive for Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland's dreams of reaching next year's World Cup remain intact after they were drawn away to Czech Republic in the semi-final.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's men produced a dramatic ending to their qualifying campaign when beating Hungary 3-2 in Budapest on Sunday, ensuring they were in today's draw. And with the Czech Republic having a similar ranking to the Hungarians, Ireland will be confident of going to Prague early next year and producing a victory.

Should they win their semi-final then Ireland will host the winners of Denmark v North Macedonia in the final.

Play-off draw/path to 2026 World Cup in full:

*semi-finals to be played 26 March 2026; finals to be played 31 March 2026

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