Pathway to 2026 World Cup: How Wales, Ireland, N. Ireland Can Qualify

Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will chase the last European spots for the 2026 World Cup in March. The three nations failed to win automatic places and now face single-game playoffs to reach North America.

Playoff format and schedule

Sixteen European teams contest four separate paths. Each path contains two semifinals on Thursday, March 26, and a final on Tuesday, March 31.

All matches are single-leg ties. The four path winners will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Where the three teams sit

Wales

Wales are in Path A and meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in Cardiff on March 26. A win would lead to a final against the Italy or Northern Ireland winner.

Wales sealed their playoff place with a 7-1 win over North Macedonia. Bosnia are ranked much lower, making Wales favourites in the semi.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland face Italy in Bergamo on March 26. They must beat Italy and then win the Path A final to qualify for the World Cup.

Italy are the highest-ranked side in the playoffs and present a very difficult hurdle for N. Ireland.

Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland are in Path D and travel to Prague to play Czechia on March 26. A victory would set up a final with Denmark or North Macedonia.

Czechia are the favourites in that semi. Denmark are the strongest team in Path D on paper.

Full European path fixtures

Television and viewing

Semifinals for Wales, N. Ireland and the Republic take place at 7.45pm UK on March 26. BBC holds rights to several matches in the UK.

Wales vs Bosnia will be on BBC Two and BBC One Wales. Italy vs Northern Ireland will be on BBC Three and BBC One NI. Both matches stream on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport.

World Cup group placements

All playoff teams were placed in Pot 4 for the World Cup draw. That ensures they face higher-ranked teams in the finals.

The winner of Path A will enter Group B with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland. The Path D winner will join Group A with Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.

Rankings and context

Italy are the highest-ranked playoff side and bring major tournament experience. Denmark are also among the top-ranked challengers.

Czechia sit above the Republic in the rankings and are the favourites in Path D. Bosnia are one of the lowest-ranked playoff teams.

Selected squad lists

Wales

• Goalkeepers: K Darlow, D Ward, A Davies, T King.
• Defenders: B Cabango, J DaSilva, R Norrington-Davies, R Kpakio, D Lawlor, J Rodon, N Williams.
• Midfielders: J James, J Sheehan, J Colwill, D Brooks, S Thomas, R Colwill, H Wilson, E Ampadu.
• Forwards: N Broadhead, L Cullen, M Harris, L Koumas, D James, B Johnson, R Matondo.

Northern Ireland

• Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Conor Hazard, Pierce Charles, Josh Clarke.
• Defenders: Tom Atcheson, Trai Hume, Ciaron Brown, Brodie Spencer, Paddy McNair, Eoin Toal, Ruairi McConville, Terry Devlin.
• Midfielders: Jamie Donley, Jamie McDonnell, George Saville, Ali McCann, Shea Charles, Isaac Price, Paul Smyth, Ethan Galbraith, Justin Devenny, Brad Lyons, Patrick Kelly, Kieran Morrison.
• Forwards: Josh Magennis, Dion Charles, Callum Marshall, Jamie Reid.

Republic of Ireland

• Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher, Mark Travers, Josh Keeley.
• Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Jimmy Dunne, Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien, John Egan, James Abankwah, Liam Scales, Robbie Brady, Ryan Manning.
• Midfielders: Jayson Molumby, Bosun Lawal, Jack Taylor, Alan Browne, Jason Knight, Finn Azaz, Harvey Vale.
• Forwards: Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, Johnny Kenny, Chiedozie Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics.

This guide sets out the pathway to 2026 World Cup and explains how Wales, Ireland and N. Ireland can reach the finals. Each nation faces one-off knockout games. Winners on March 31 will head to the World Cup.