The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are preparing for crucial World Cup 2026 play-off qualification fixtures in March.
Four play-off paths, consisting of semi-finals and finals decided by single matches, will determine the final quartet of UEFA representatives.
The Republic of Ireland Hoping to Upset the Odds in Prague
The Republic of Ireland secured a play-off spot in dramatic fashion, claiming a last-gasp victory over Hungary that injected renewed hope into the squad.
Ireland face Czechia in their play-off semi-final on March 26. The winners will secure a home final against Denmark or North Macedonia five days later.
Ireland have traditionally struggled against Czechia, winning just two of their previous eight meetings. However, they will believe they can upset the odds.
They are rated as 3/1 shots to win the game on the sportsbooks featured on comparison platform bettingtop10.ie/ and their fans will back them to get the job done.
Ireland are difficult to bet against with Troy Parrott in sensational form following a hat-trick in that decisive win over Hungary. The AZ Alkmaar striker will be key to his side’s chances of winning.
He is the perfect striker a team that has embraced its underdog status during the World Cup qualification process. This psychological edge is ideal for the battle ahead.
Northern Ireland Have A Mountain to Climb in Rome
Northern Ireland have a monumental task on their hands in the play-offs. Michael O’Neill’s side travel to face four-time world champions Italy in their play-off semi-final.
If they can land a lethal blow on the Azzurri, it would set up another testing away encounter with Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina in the final.
Northern Ireland booked their place in the play-offs thanks to a strong showing in the Nations League, giving the maligned competition a little more relevance.
They finished outside the top two in their World Cup qualification group, but their Nations League performances earned them a valuable second bite at the cherry.
However, they are up against the toughest side in the play-offs. Italy head into the tie with superior tactical intelligence and incredible tournament know-how.
Even though they are an unknown quantity under head coach Gennaro Gattuso, they rarely lose at home, especially in high-stakes encounters.
History doesn’t favour Northern Ireland, who have recorded only one victory in 11 previous encounters with Italy. All seven matches held in Italy have gone in favour of the home side.
The onus will be on Italy to break down a defensively disciplined Northern Ireland side. That could put pressure on the hosts, allowing Northern Ireland to capitalise on any sign of nerves.
Northern Ireland overcame a similar stumbling block when they beat Greece twice during qualifying for the 2016 European Championship. They will hope to tap into that collective spirit against Italy.
Northern Irish fans are eager to see their team return to the world stage for the first time since 1986, and this young squad will need to bring their ‘A’ game to fulfil those dreams.
World Cup 2026 – UEFA Qualification Play-Off Fixtures
Semi-Finals – March 26
- A – Italy vs Northern Ireland
- A – Wales vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
- B – Ukraine vs Sweden
- B – Poland vs Albania
- C – Turkey vs Romania
- C – Slovakia vs Kosovo
- D – Denmark vs North Macedonia
- D – Czechia vs Republic of Ireland
Finals – March 31
- A – Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Italy or Northern Ireland
- B – Ukraine or Sweden vs Poland or Albania
- C – Slovakia or Kosovo vs Turkey or Romania
- D – Czechia or Republic of Ireland vs Denmark or North Macedonia
