UEFA World Cup playoffs draws: Wales, Ireland, others learn paths

Wales, Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland have discovered their playoff opponents and potential routes to the World Cup 2026 finals in North America.

Wales, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland have discovered their challenging paths to the World Cup 2026 Finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico following the playoff draw.

According to a report from Sports Mole, Wales have been handed a World Cup 2026 playoff semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina in March.

This match, which will be a Cardiff showdown, was secured after Craig Bellamy’s side clinched a 7-1 victory over North Macedonia. Crucially, Wales would also host the Path A final if they defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina.

However, should they advance, the Dragons could potentially play Italy in the Path A final, as the Azzurri were paired with Northern Ireland in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland’s reward for beating Portugal and Hungary “against the odds” is a trip to the Czech Republic in the semi-finals. Should Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team succeed in that contest, they would face a second away tie in the final against either Denmark or North Macedonia.

The full playoff draw reveals the routes:

Path A

Italy vs. Northern Ireland

Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina

Winners of Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina to host final.

Path D

Denmark vs. North Macedonia

Czech Republic vs. Republic of Ireland

Winners of Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland to host final.

The report also noted that Graham Potter’s Sweden will qualify for the World Cup if they can overcome Ukraine and one of Poland or Albania.