World Cup 2026 play-offs draw: Wales face Bosnia, N.IRE head to Italy, Ireland go to Prague, Dates, Venues

The road to the 2026 World Cup continues with the intercontinental and European qualifying playoffs draw in March. Winners from these matchups will secure the remaining spots in the tournament, setting the stage for the final lineup of teams heading to North America.

World Cup 2026 Playoff Draw: Big Tests Ahead for Home Nations

The playoff path to the 2026 World Cup is set, with Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland handed challenging but intriguing semi-finals in March.

Wales host Bosnia & Herzegovina and could face Northern Ireland in a blockbuster final — but only if Northern Ireland pull off an upset away to Italy. Craig Bellamy’s side are flying after their 7–1 win over North Macedonia, while Italy remain favourites despite recent struggles.

The Republic of Ireland travel to Czechia, boosted by Troy Parrott’s remarkable five-goal week. If they win in Prague, a home final against Denmark or North Macedonia awaits as they chase their first World Cup appearance since 2002.

Elsewhere, Ukraine meet Sweden, Poland face Albania, and other pathways feature Turkey, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo. In the inter-confederation draw, Jamaica have a promising route via New Caledonia before a potential final with DR Congo, while Bolivia or Suriname will play Iraq.

March’s playoffs promise high drama — and four European World Cup places up for grabs.

When will the 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoff matches played?

Confirmed dates: The European semi-finals will take place on Thursday 26 March, with the finals the following Tuesday 31 March.

As for the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, the semi-finals are slated for 23 March and the finals for 31 March.

FIFA World Cup 2026 playoffs draw in Full for Europe, fixtures, teams

Path A

SF1: Italy v Northern Ireland

SF2: Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Path B

SF3: Ukraine v Sweden

SF4: Poland v Albania

Path C

SF5: Turkey v Romania

SF6: Slovakia v Kosovo

Path D

SF7: Denmark v North Macedonia

SF8: Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland

World Cup 2026 Playoffs Draw for the finals:

Winner of SF2 (Wales Bosnia-Herzegovina) at home v winner of SF1 (Italy v Northern Ireland).

Winner of SF3 (Ukraine and Sweden) at home v winner of SF4 (Poland v Albania).

Winner of SF6 (Slovakia v Kosovo v winner of SF5 (Turkey v Romania)

Winner of SF8 (Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland) at home v winner of SF7 (Denmark v North Macedonia).

FIFA World Cup 2026: International playoff draw in Full

Path 1 semi-final: New Caledonia v Jamaica

Path 1 final: Congo DR v New Caledonia or Jamaica

Path 2 semi-final: Bolivia v Suriname

Path 2 final: Iraq v Bolivia or Suriname

Where is 2026 World Cup Qualifying Playoffs?

Intercontinental Playoffs:

Hosted by the participating teams (New Caledonia, Jamaica, Bolivia, Suriname, Congo, Iraq) in their home venues.

European Playoffs: Each match is played in the home country of one of the teams drawn in the semifinals.

(Italy, Northern Ireland, Ukraine, Sweden, Turkey, Romania, Denmark, North Macedonia, Wales, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Poland, Albania, Slovakia, Kosovo, Czech Republic, Ireland).

Intercontinental Playoffs

Dates: March 23–31, 2026

Semifinals:

New Caledonia vs. Jamaica
Bolivia vs. Suriname

Finals:

Congo vs. Winner of New Caledonia/Jamaica
Iraq vs. Winner of Bolivia/Suriname

European Playoffs

Dates: March 26 & 31, 2026

Semifinals (March 26):

Italy vs. Northern Ireland
Ukraine vs. Sweden
Turkey vs. Romania
Denmark vs. North Macedonia
Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
Poland vs. Albania
Slovakia vs. Kosovo
Czech Republic vs. Ireland

Finals (March 31):

Winner of Wales/Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Winner of Italy/Northern Ireland
Winner of Ukraine/Sweden vs. Winner of Poland/Albania
Winner of Slovakia/Kosovo vs. Winner of Turkey/Romania
Winner of Czech Republic/Ireland vs. Winner of Denmark/North Macedonia

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