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Nick Ames has broken this all down, so hopefully it makes sense \u2026<\/p>\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n More on that potential playoff between Ukraine and Poland. If Ukraine beat Sweden and Poland beat Albania in the semi-finals, there will have to be a debate over where the final is played \u2013 Ukraine would be the designated hosts of the final.<\/p>\n Ukraine have played the majority of their home fixtures in Poland since Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion in 2022. They played Belgium in the Nations League playoffs in Murcia, Spain, in March but got only a fraction of the crowd they could get in Poland, where many of the country\u2019s refugees live.<\/p>\n Would they have to find another neutral venue in Europe \u2013 tough at such short notice after the semis \u2013 or try to split a Polish stadium 50\/50? That would be quite the sight.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a008.24 EST<\/p>\n World Cup draw proper: The tournament will take shape on Friday 5 December in Washington DC, when the 42 already-qualified teams will learn who they will be facing in the group stage.<\/p>\n Each of the six remaining playoff routes will also be assigned their places in the groups.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Confirmed dates: The European semi-finals will take place on Thursday 26 March, with the finals the following Tuesday 31 March.<\/p>\n As for the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, the semi-finals are slated for 23 March and the finals for 31 March.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Thanks Luke. Let\u2019s just rattle through what this means for those involved.<\/p>\n Wales will host their final playoff against Italy or Northern Ireland if they get through their semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina<\/p>\n Ukraine could face neighbours Poland for a spot at the World Cup<\/a> if they both get through their semi-finals<\/p>\n The Republic of Ireland could host Denmark in the final, a repeat of the 2018 World Cup playoff that the Danes stormed through<\/p>\n Italy might have to go through a couple of UK teams to reach their first World Cup finals since 2014<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n That\u2019s all from me, congratulations in advance to everyone. Billy Munday is here to take up the baton.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cSweden \u2026\u201d writes Ben \u201c\u2026 have been utterly woeful, but come March when you can reasonably expect a fully fit and firing Gy\u00f6keres, Isak, Kulesevski et al \u2013 playing Ukraine on neutral territory and then Poland, they\u2019re remarkably within reach of the Biggest Of Cups despite it all.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cPlease check your mobile phones for a text message regarding your transportation back to the airport,\u201d says a voice over the Fifa feed. I don\u2019t think they mean us.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cAs an Irishman,\u201d emails Justin, \u201cI was hoping for the Czechs, but fearing that Infantino, Trump, and Orb\u00e1n would announce that after a longish VAR review, they\u2019d spotted an offside on Troy Parrott\u2019s third goal on Sunday. It might still happen!\u201d<\/p>\n C\u2019est Troy bien. Photograph: Stephen McCarthy\/Sportsfile\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.53 EST<\/p>\n Confirmed World Cup 2026 playoffs<\/p>\n Path A<\/p>\n SF1: Italy v Northern Ireland Path B<\/p>\n SF3: Ukraine v Sweden SF5: Turkey v Romania Path D<\/p>\n SF7: Denmark v North Macedonia Draw for the finals:<\/p>\n Winner of SF2 (Wales Bosnia-Herzegovina) at home v winner of SF1 (Italy v Northern Ireland).<\/p>\n Winner of SF3 (Ukraine and Sweden) at home v winner of SF4 (Poland v Albania).<\/p>\n Winner of SF6 (Slovakia v Kosovo v winner of SF5 (Turkey v Romania)<\/p>\n Winner of SF8 (Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland) at home v winner of SF7 (Denmark v North Macedonia).<\/p>\n International playoff draw<\/p>\n Path 1 semi-final: New Caledonia v Jamaica<\/p>\n Path 1 final: Congo DR v New Caledonia or Jamaica<\/p>\n Path 2 semi-final: Bolivia v Suriname<\/p>\n Path 2 final: Iraq v Bolivia or Suriname<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a009.41 EST<\/p>\n Denmark v North Macedonia in Path D.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Turkey v Romania in Path C, semi-final 5.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.40 EST<\/p>\n Ukraine v Sweden in Path B.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Italy v Northern Ireland<\/p>\n Confirmed in Path A.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland<\/p>\n Confirmed in Path D.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Slovakia v Kosovo in Path C.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Poland v Albania in Path B.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina<\/p>\n Confirmed in semi-final No 2, Path A.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.36 EST<\/p>\n Czech Republic host semi-final 8 in Path D.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Slovakia home in semi-final 6, Path C.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Poland home in semi-final 4, Path B.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Wales are the first team drawn from Pot 2, they will host semi-final 2, in Path A.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Denmark host their semi-final in Path D.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Turkey host semi-final 5, in Path C.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.32 EST<\/p>\n Ukraine host semi-final 3, in Path B.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Italy are drawn first. They are in Path A, hosting a semi-final at home.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n OK. Here we go. Pot 1 first.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n The Sweden legend Martin Dahlin is here, too!<\/p>\n Martin Dahlin of Sweden in 1989. Photograph: Ben Radford\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a memory we never forget. I\u2019m very very proud,\u201d says special guest Marco Materazzi, of winning the 2006 World Cup<\/a> with Italy.<\/p>\n Special memories. Photograph: John MacDougall\/AFP\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.27 EST<\/p>\n Teams in Pot 1 will be drawn against those in Pot 4, leaving the titans of Pot 2 to take on the giants of Pot 3.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n The pots for the Uefa section of the World Cup<\/a> playoff draw:<\/p>\n Pot 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine. Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.24 EST<\/p>\n \u201cWelcome, welcome to everyone,\u201d says Infantino.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve seen some incredible images in the last days.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember, football unites the world. Enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n Thanks, Gianni!<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.24 EST<\/p>\n Apols, I initially had the Path 2 final wrong below. It is of course: Iraq v Bolivia or Suriname.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.22 EST<\/p>\n Here we go then. The Uefa section of the playoff draw has officially begun, and the draw itself is moments away, after a few more pleasantries.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Fifa are now showing a montage about Mexico. I know all you Irish and Welsh fans are enjoying it.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Fifa World Cup 2026: confirmed international playoff draw<\/p>\n Path 1 semi final: New Caledonia v Jamaica<\/p>\n Path 1 final: Congo DR v New Caledonia or Jamaica<\/p>\n Path 2 semi-final: Bolivia v Suriname<\/p>\n Path 2 final: Iraq v Bolivia or Suriname<\/p>\n The matches will take place in Mexico, in Guadalajara and Monterrey, both hosts cities for the tournament proper.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.21 EST<\/p>\n Bolivia, who beat Brazil on the final matchday, will face Suriname in the Path 2 semi-final.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n New Caledonia v Jamaica is the semi-final in Path 1. The winner of that tie plays Congo DR for a place at the tournament.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Congo DR are the first name out of the hat, and will be in the final of Path 1.<\/p>\n Iraq, consequently, are in the final of Path 2.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.12 EST<\/p>\n So in this international draw, Iraq and DR Congo are seeded, the other four: Jamaica, Bolivia, Suriname and New Caledonia, have to play each other to get to the \u201cfinal\u201d.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n It\u2019s Christian Karembeu! He was born in New Caledonia, who are in the international draw and could make it to the World Cup<\/a> for the first time.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously we need to play two games \u2026 hopefully they can make us dream,\u201d says the 1998 World Cup winner with France.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cIt is a great pleasure to have you here in the beautiful city of Zurich,\u201d says Gianni Infantino. \u201cIt will be the greatest World Cup<\/a> ever.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be 104 Superbowls in one month \u2026 we\u2019ll have 7m in the stadiums, and 6bn watching at home.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish you the very best of luck in the draw \u2026 thanks for being here and welcome, again, to Fifa.\u201d<\/p>\n Gianni Infantino\u2019s catalogue pose. Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini\/AFP\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.06 EST<\/p>\n Anyway, the draw is under way, and Melanie Winiger is our host.<\/p>\n Gianluigi Buffon and and Italy’s coach Gennaro Gattuso. Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini\/AFP\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.04 EST<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve just realised there is a possibility that Republic of Ireland play Northern Ireland in Dublin in a friendly in March four days after both sides World Cup<\/a> dreams are over,\u201d writes Fergus. \u201cThe most depressing game of international football that could ever be played.\u201d<\/p>\n Keep the faith.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.02 EST<\/p>\n \u201cHi Luke,\u201d emails Paul. \u201cAs an Ireland fan, I was tempted to go full Partridge and book accommodation in the sleepy Beskydy\/Moravian-Silesian foothills, exactly equidistant between Poznan, Prague and Bratislava. But I\u2019m taking my chances we get Wales\u201d<\/p>\n Hotels in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids have presumably not seen an uptick in bookings for next March. Photograph: isifa Image Service s r o\/AlamyShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a006.50 EST<\/p>\n And in more World Cup<\/a> reading, here is Will Unwin on Cura\u00e7ao\u2019s progress to the World Cup under Dick Advocaat. The Caribbean island nation will be the smallest ever to play at the Fifa World Cup.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018I was on my knees on the living room floor\u2019<\/p>\n Scotland fans describe their experiences during the wild 4-2 win against Denmark on Tuesday:<\/p>\n And here is our reporter Ewan Murray on how Steve Clarke hopes Scotland\u2019s qualification will inspire the next generation:<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a006.41 EST<\/p>\n Here is some reading on how Republic of Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland made it into the playoffs. Plus a bonus Scotland match report after they sealed the place at the World Cup<\/a> in dramatic style.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cAs an ROI supporter, I hope we get a home match against a theoretically weaker side,\u201d writes Martin. \u201cI dream of beating Spain in the final. I fear it\u2019s all going to end in tears, starting about an hour from now.\u201d<\/p>\n Toto Schillaci in 1990. Photograph: Daniel Garc\u00eda\/AFP\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI enjoy a long preamble as much as the next person,\u201d writes Ruairi. \u201cBut just wondering if you have any insight as to when the actual draw takes place. It\u2019s 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).\u201d<\/p>\n Thanks Ruairi. I have no insight, I just work here. Presuming the pleasantries last for 10minutes, and then they do the international draw, I\u2019ll guess 12.25pm UK time for the European draw.<\/p>\n Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds\/AFP\/Getty ImagesShare<\/a> The prognosis from the north Glasgow primary schools squad had been bleak. \u201cEverybody says Scotland<\/a> are going to get pumped,\u201d my eight-year told me as he left football training on Tuesday evening, with a realism born of experience even over his short life.<\/p>\n But three hours later, Scotland fans across the nation and beyond were catapulted beyond euphoria as their team qualified for the men\u2019s 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<\/a> at Hampden.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t think a \u201clocal derby\u201d in a noisy Principality Stadium is what Ireland want,\u201d writes John. \u201cWales will have the measure of us there. It\u2019s 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!\u201d<\/p>\n Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Personally, I\u2019d rather try Bratislava. I\u2019ve been to Prague and wasn\u2019t all that keen.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cAs someone who supports both Irish teams (controversial, I know), it\u2019s the hope that I fear,\u201d emails Phil.<\/p>\n That\u2019s deep. Thanks Phil. Keep your expectations low, then you are less likely to be disappointed.<\/p>\n Ray Houghton after scoring for Republic of Ireland against Italy in 1994. Photograph: Billy Strickland\/ALLSPORTShare<\/a><\/p>\n Note: the international playoff draw will take place before the Uefa bit. It all kicks off in about an hour.<\/p>\n The teams in the international draw are: Iraq, DR Congo, Jamaica, Bolivia, Suriname and New Caledonia.<\/p>\n Iraq and DR Congo are seeded, the other four are not. The two CONCACAF teams must be in separate \u201cpaths\u201d.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a006.07 EST<\/p>\n Republic of Ireland fans, Wales fans, Northern Ireland fans. What are your hopes, dreams and fears? Mail<\/a> me<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a005.55 EST<\/p>\n So theoretically, the Uefa draw could end up looking like this:<\/p>\n Italy v Northern Ireland<\/p>\n Denmark v Sweden<\/p>\n Turkey v Romania<\/p>\n Ukraine v North Macedonia<\/p>\n Wales v Republic of Ireland<\/p>\n Poland v Bosnia-Herzegovina<\/p>\n Czech Republic v Kosovo<\/p>\n Slovakia v Albania<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a006.05 EST<\/p>\n Preamble<\/p>\n Scotland booked their plane tickets to the good ol\u2019 US of A with a sensational 4-2 win against Denmark<\/a> 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 Clarke\u2019s side at the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> qualifying groups, and four teams who qualified via the Nations League. Anyone hoping to make the tournament must win a \u201csemi-final\u201d and \u201cfinal\u201d.<\/p>\n 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 it\u2019s Pot 2 v Pot 3 in the other four matches. Each \u201cpath\u201d to the World Cup will include a team from each pot.<\/p>\n Pot 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine. The draw commences at 12pm UK time.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s get ready to rumble!<\/p>\n
SF2: Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina<\/p>\n
SF4: Poland v Albania
Path C<\/p>\n
SF6: Slovakia v Kosovo<\/p>\n
SF8: Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland<\/p>\n
Pot 2: Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia.
Pot 3: Republic of Ireland, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo.
Pot 4: Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n![\"Libby](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Libby_Brooks.png\")
Libby Brooks<\/p>\n
Pot 2: Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia.
Pot 3: Republic of Ireland, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo.
Pot 4: Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n