The Republic of Ireland will face either Poland, Wales, Czechia or Slovakia in the World Cup 2026 qualifier in March.
With the completion of the final round of group games this evening, Ireland were left in pot 3 of the draw, having previously hoped to be in pot 2.
Ireland were hoping that North Macedonia could avoid defeat to Wales along with Austria taking a point or better against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
While Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina played out a 1-1 draw, Wales hammered North Macedonia 7-1 and they will take their place in pot 2 at Ireland’s expense.
Ireland will play either Poland, Wales, Czechia or Slovakia away from home and should they come through that qualifier, with have a match against the winners of a game from a pot 1 versus pot 4 tie for a place at the World Cup.
Pot 1 Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine
Pot 2 Poland, Wales, Czechia, Slovakia
Pot 3 Ireland, Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo
Pot 4 Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland
Skipper Harry Wilson scored a hat-trick as rampant Wales secured that home semi-final advantage.
Wilson and David Brooks gave Wales a healthy first-half lead before Bojan Miovski replied instantly in a frenetic five-minute spell.
Brennan Johnson restored the two-goal cushion before the break and Daniel James swept home before Wilson, who was captaining Wales for the first time, took centre stage.
Harry Wilson scored a hat-trick for Wales as they demolished North Macedonia in Cardiff
Wilson dispatched a fabulous free-kick before converting his second penalty of the night, and substitute Nathan Broadhead added late gloss as Wales struck seven for the first time 1978.
Belgium sealed top spot and a seat at the 2026 World Cup with a 7-0 romp over group minnows Liechtenstein in Liege as Wales head into the March play-offs in fine spirits.