Two Liverpool stars discover World Cup play-off fate | OneFootball

Liverpool Stars Discover World Cup Path as Conor Bradley Faces Brutal Challenge

Liverpool’s international contingent now has a far clearer view of their World Cup routes, and for Conor Bradley, the picture is unforgiving. The draw for the European play-offs has placed Northern Ireland in one of the toughest possible scenarios, creating a storyline packed with jeopardy and opportunity ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Conor Bradley’s Steep Road to World Cup Qualification

Bradley’s Northern Ireland must travel to Italy for their semi final, a daunting assignment against the top seeds. If they somehow navigate that test, another away tie awaits against the winner of Wales against Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a sequence that offers little comfort. As the article stated, Bradley and his team have been given a nightmare draw.

Northern Ireland had a respectable qualifying campaign, finishing third behind Germany and Slovakia. Their Nations League record ensured a second chance, but their reward has been a route loaded with elite opposition and unforgiving away venues.

Photo: IMAGO

Isak and Sweden Stung by a Harsh Campaign

Alexander Isak is also preparing for the play-offs, although Sweden arrive in far more chaotic circumstances. They were drawn away to Ukraine in their semi final, and if victorious will return home for a final against the winner of Poland against Albania.

Sweden reached this stage despite what the piece called a disastrous qualifying campaign that earned just two points from six games. Graham Potter replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson midway through the run, inheriting a side that looked short on confidence and ideas. Their Nations League safety net, like Northern Ireland’s, has kept them alive.

Isak remains central to Sweden’s hopes. As highlighted in the article, his nation has been handed a reprieve. Yet the margins in play-off football are razor thin, and performances must now accelerate rapidly.

Photo: IMAGO

Wales, Ireland and Liverpool Connections

Elsewhere in Liverpool’s global picture, Wales surged into the play-offs with a 7-1 demolition of North Macedonia. The Republic of Ireland claimed their spot through late drama in Budapest, snatching qualification from Hungary with Troy Parrott’s stoppage time winner. The result left Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez emotional on the pitch, with both players visibly affected by the reversal.

The draw held in Zurich confirmed a packed bracket. Ireland will face Czechia, with the winner hosting Denmark or North Macedonia. Turkey host Romania with an away final at Slovakia or Kosovo on the line.

Global Stakes in Inter Confederation Play-offs

Beyond Europe, six nations will contend for two World Cup spots. New Caledonia face Jamaica, with the winner meeting DR Congo. Bolivia take on Suriname for the right to play Iraq. Each tie represents a final roll of the dice for teams dreaming of a place at next year’s tournament.

For Liverpool, the coming months promise emotion, tension and narratives stretching far beyond Anfield. Bradley, Isak and others now know their routes. The challenge is immense, but so too is the opportunity.