World Cup play-off attract full as Wales and Northern Ireland get nightmare ties
Wales and Northern Ireland have learned their route to the USA, Mexico and Canada as the World Cup play-off draw has been completed.
There are six World Cup spots still up for grabs – and they will be decided by the play-offs, which will take place in March. In the European play-offs, the 16 teams are grouped into four, with one qualifying after two semi-finals and a final.
Craig Bellamy’s side are among 12 teams that finished runners-up in their group, while Northern Ireland were one of four teams after they were awarded a spot after their performance in the Nations League.
Wales finished second in their group, being pipped to the post by Belgium, but they have been drawn in the same path as Italy. However, if Wales get past Bosnia and Herzegovina, they will be at home for the final.
The Welsh will be hoping to make back-to-back World Cup’s for the first time in their history – having also made the cut for Qatar in 2022.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Northern Ireland, on the other hand, will be hoping to make their first World Cup since Mexico ’86 – after they earned their spot thanks to winning their Nations League group.
However, they have been drawn in the same path of Wales, and will face Italy in their semi-final and face an away game in the final if they are to make it to North America.
Republic of Ireland are also in the draw after a magical moment from Troy Parrott sent the Emerald Isle into ecstasy.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Heimir Hallgrimsson had been clinging onto his job, but a whirlwind international break with wins over Portugal and Hungary has sparked talks of a new deal should they make it North America.
Ireland’s path will see them travel to Czechia before a home tie, should they win, with either Denmark of North Macedonia.
The Intercontinental draw was also held on Thursday, with two spots on offer for teams from CONCACAF, AFC, OFC and CAF.
New Caledonia and Jamaica will battle it out before a clash with DR Congo for one of the spots while Bolivia and Suriname will square off before a fixture with Iraq. These will take place in a mini-tournament in Mexico in March.
European play-off draw in full:
Path A
Italy vs Northern Ireland
Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Path B
Ukraine vs Sweden
Poland vs Albania
Path C
Turkey vs Romania
Slovakia vs Kosovo
Path D
Denmark vs North Macedonia
Czechia vs Republic of Ireland
Intercontinental play-off draw in full:
Path A
New Caledonia vs Jamaica
Winner vs DR Congo
Path B
Bolivia vs Suriname
Winner vs Iraq
