How The 2026 World Cup Play-Off Draw Could Shape Up For Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland And Republic Of Ireland

World Cup Play-Off Draw: What You Need To Know

The 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off draw is set to take place on Thursday, with results from Monday and Tuesday being critical for Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and potentially Scotland.

Eight of the 16 teams are already confirmed, but the remaining spots will determine draw pots and home advantage for semi-finals.

How The Draw Works

There are four play-off paths, each with four teams. The semi-finals and finals are one-legged, and seeded teams host the semi-finals:

• Pot 1 vs Pot 4

• Pot 2 vs Pot 3

Home advantage for the finals will be determined by the draw on Thursday. While being in Pot 1 is slightly preferable, the difference between Pot 1 and Pot 2 is minimal. Pot 3 and 4 contain teams that either just missed automatic qualification or advanced through UEFA Nations League performance.

Confirmed Teams And Pots

So far, the confirmed teams include:

• Pot 1: Italy

• Pot 2: To be confirmed

• Pot 3: Albania, possibly Kosovo

• Pot 4: Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland

Teams like Turkey and Ukraine are likely to be in Pot 1.

Scotland’s Chances

Scotland can qualify automatically with a win over Denmark. If not, they enter the play-offs, most likely in Pot 2, guaranteeing a home semi-final. Only certain combinations of results could drop them to Pot 3, leading to an away semi-final.

Wales’ Scenario

Wales are guaranteed at least a play-off, with a home semi-final likely if they win against North Macedonia. A loss or draw would see them in Pot 4 as a UEFA Nations League group winner.

Republic Of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland earned a surprise play-off route after their late win in Hungary. They are expected to be in Pot 3, but with favorable results, they could reach Pot 2 and secure a home semi-final.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland are confirmed in Pot 4, meaning an away semi-final, with only Italy confirmed in Pot 1 as potential opponents.

Inter-Confederation Play-Offs

Meanwhile, the inter-confederation play-offs in March will determine the final two spots and involve countries outside Europe.

• Asia: Iraq or UAE

• Africa: DR Congo

• CONCACAF: Two spots TBD

• CONMEBOL: Bolivia

• OFC: New Caledonia

The world ranking of these nations will determine which teams get seeded directly into the final.

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The 2026 World Cup play-off draw promises drama for the UK nations, with home advantage and pot placements potentially making all the difference in the road to North America.