World Cup Draw Hands Wales and Northern Ireland Nightmare Play-Off Routes
Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have all learned who they will face in the World Cup play-off semi-finals as well as who they could face in their respective finals.
All three nations secured their spots in the UEFA section of the World Cup play-off semi-finals during the final week of qualifiers.
Wales beat North Macedonia 7-1 in Cardiff in their last qualifier, while Troy Parrott’s hat-trick in the Republic of Ireland’s 3-2 win against Hungary in Budapest sent the nation into the European play-off.
Northern Ireland did not qualify through the traditional route but secured their play-off place through their Nations League performance.
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Of course, Europe’s most successful footballing nations – including England, France, Germany and Spain – have already ensured they will compete in North America next summer.
The group stage draw is scheduled to take place in Washington D.C. on December 5, with four more spots in it available to the 16 European teams set to compete in the play-off.
Wales, who were in pot 2, were guaranteed a home play-off semi-final, while the Republic and Northern Ireland knew they would have to travel due to them being in pots 3 and 4, respectively.
The play-off draw took place at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich with the matches set to be contested between Wednesday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 31.
The kick-off times for the matches will be announced in due course.
Wales were drawn against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a somewhat favourable semi-final, which is set to take place in Cardiff, before facing the winners of Italy against Northern Ireland in a potential final should Craig Bellamy's side progress.
The Republic of Ireland play away at Czechia in the semi-final before taking on the victors of Denmark and North Macedonia if they come out on top.
As previously mentioned, Northern Ireland will face the winners of Wales vs Bosnia if they come past Italy in what promises to be a tough semi.
Wales will also have home advantage if they reach the final, while Northern Ireland will be away if they beat Italy in their semi.
As for the Republic of Ireland, they will also have home advantage in the play-off final if they come past Czechia in the semi.
Who do the other UEFA nations face in the World Cup play-off semi-finals?
16 teams will compete in eight semi-finals for a spot in one of the four play-off finals to determine the final four European teams that will enter next summer's World Cup in North America.
The full fixture list is as follows:
Italy v Northern Ireland
Poland v Albania
Slovakia v Kosovo
Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland
Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ukraine v Sweden
Turkey v Romania
Denmark v North Macedonia
Topics: Football, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, UEFA
Luke Davies