The World Cup play-off draw has been made, with Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland learning who they will face.
As the countdown continues towards next summer’s FIFA men’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, anticipation is building.
England and Scotland have already booked their places at the tournament after winning their qualifying groups.
Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions won all eight of their qualifiers, with Jordan Pickford yet to concede a goal on international duty this year as England topped Group K.
Scotland, meanwhile, recorded a stunning, stoppage-time victory over Denmark in their final qualifier to finish top of Group C, taking Steve Clarke’s side to their first World Cup since 1998.
But for Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the job is not yet complete.
All three teams remain in with a chance of qualifying, but they must do so via the play-offs.
World Cup Play-Off Draw Confirmed
Thursday’s World Cup play-off draw is now confirmed, with 16 teams fighting it out for the final four places at next summer’s tournament.
There are four seeded pathways, with teams drawn from four different pots based on how they made it to the play-offs.
The play-off semi-finals will see teams from pot one face teams from pot four, and those in pots two and three face each other.
- Pot 1 – Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine
- Pot 2 – Poland, Wales, Czechia, Slovakia
- Pot 3 – Republic of Ireland, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo
- Pot 4 – Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland
European Play-off Draw
- Path 1 – Italy/Northern Ireland Vs Wales/Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Path 2 – Ukraine/Sweden Vs Poland/Albania
- Path 3 – Turkey/Romania Vs Slovakia/Kosovo
- Path 4 – Denmark/North Macedonia Vs Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland
Wales and Northern Ireland have both been drawn in path one.
This means that only one of the two can reach the World Cup.
Northern Ireland face a tough trip to Italy, while Wales host Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The draw also means that if Wales win their semi-final, they will be at home for the play-off final against the winner of Italy Vs Northern Ireland.
For the Republic of Ireland, it’s a trip to Czech Republic, with a favourable home draw if they make it to the final.
🚨 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: The draw for the European World Cup playoffs 🏆 pic.twitter.com/mrCR16zY4J
— 433 (@433) November 20, 2025
Intercontinental World Cup Play-off Draw
As well as the European draw, there are still two other play-off spots up for grabs.
Six teams have entered the intercontinental play-off draw.
The top two ranked sides, based on FIFA rankings, received a bye to the final of each path.
- PATH 1 – New Caledonia/Jamaica Vs Congo DR
- PATH 2 – Bolivia/Suriname Vs Iraq
These ties are then to be played during the March international window in Mexico.
When Will The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Draw Take Place?
As for the tournament itself, the World Cup group stage draw will be on Friday, 5 December from 5pm GMT.
It will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, with US President Donald Trump expected to be in attendance.
