World Cup 2026 qualifying: playoffs draw – live | World Cup 2026 qualifiers

Key events

Show key events only

Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature

“As an ROI supporter, I hope we get a home match against a theoretically weaker side,†writes Martin. “I dream of beating Spain in the final. I fear itâ€s all going to end in tears, starting about an hour from now.â€

Toto Schillaci in 1990. Photograph: Daniel García/AFP/Getty ImagesShare

“I enjoy a long preamble as much as the next person,†writes Ruairi. “But just wondering if you have any insight as to when the actual draw takes place. Itâ€s being billed as 12.00 but in reality is that when 45 minutes of Fifa Family-approved waffle begins? I want the exact time when we see someone in the Figo/Seedorf/Kluivert mold get his hands on some balls (not like that).â€

Thanks Ruairi. I have no insight, I just work here. Presuming the pleasantries last for 10minutes, and then they do the international draw, Iâ€ll guess 12.25pm UK time for the European draw.

Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty ImagesShareLibby Brooks

The prognosis from the north Glasgow primary schools squad had been bleak. “Everybody says Scotland are going to get pumped,†my eight-year told me as he left football training on Tuesday evening, with a realism born of experience even over his short life.

But three hours later, Scotland fans across the nation and beyond were catapulted beyond euphoria as their team qualified for the menâ€s football World Cup for the first time in more than a quarter of a century after a bum-squeaking, breathtaking 4-2 win against Denmark at Hampden.

Share

“Donâ€t think a “local derby†in a noisy Principality Stadium is what Ireland want,†writes John. “Wales will have the measure of us there. Itâ€s got to be the Czech Republic or Slovakia. As a spring destination, Prague definitely has the edge over Bratislava, however. So the Czechs it is!â€

Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Personally, Iâ€d rather try Bratislava. Iâ€ve been to Prague and wasnâ€t all that keen.

Share

“As someone who supports both Irish teams (controversial, I know), itâ€s the hope that I fear,†emails Phil.

Thatâ€s deep. Thanks Phil. Keep your expectations low, then you are less likely to be disappointed.

Ray Houghton after scoring for Republic of Ireland against Italy in 1994. Photograph: Billy Strickland/ALLSPORTShare

Note: the international playoff draw will take place before the Uefa bit. It all kicks off in about an hour.

The teams in the international draw are: Iraq, DR Congo, Jamaica, Bolivia, Suriname and New Caledonia.

Iraq and DR Congo are seeded, the other four are not. The two CONCACAF teams must be in separate “pathsâ€.

Share

Updated at 06.07 EST

Republic of Ireland fans, Wales fans, Northern Ireland fans. What are your hopes, dreams and fears? Mail me

Share

Updated at 05.55 EST

So theoretically, the Uefa draw could end up looking like this:

Italy v Northern Ireland

Denmark v Sweden

Turkey v Romania

Ukraine v North Macedonia

Wales v Republic of Ireland

Poland v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Czech Republic v Kosovo

Slovakia v Albania

Share

Updated at 06.05 EST

Preamble

Scotland booked their plane tickets to the good ol†US of A with a sensational 4-2 win against Denmark on Tuesday. But Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales will all need to negotiate a playoff in March if they are to join Steve Clarkeâ€s side at the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America.

The format of the imminent draw is simple. There are four places at the tournament on offer and 16 teams in the playoffs: 12 runners-up from the World Cup qualifying groups, and four teams who qualified via the Nations League. Anyone hoping to make the tournament must win a “semi-final†and “finalâ€.

Pots 1 and 2 and seeded teams, and Pots 3 and 4 and unseeded. The teams in Pots 1 and 2 get a home semi-final. Teams from Pot 1 will be drawn against teams from Pot 4, so itâ€s Pot 2 v Pot 3 in the other four matches. Each “path†to the World Cup will include a team from each pot.

Pot 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine.
Pot 2: Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia.
Pot 3: Republic of Ireland, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo.
Pot 4: Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland.

The draw commences at 12pm UK time.

Letâ€s get ready to rumble!

Share

Source link