{"id":10490,"date":"2025-11-20T13:21:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T13:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/?p=10490"},"modified":"2025-11-20T13:21:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T13:21:13","slug":"world-cup-2026-playoffs-draw-wales-v-bosnia-and-herzegovina-czechia-v-republic-of-ireland-italy-v-northern-ireland-live-world-cup-2026-qualifiers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/?p=10490","title":{"rendered":"World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live | World Cup 2026 qualifiers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"liveblog-body\">\n<div id=\"pinned-post\" data-gu-marker=\"pinned-post\" data-component=\"pinned-post\" class=\"dcr-r5tmyr\">\n<div id=\"collapsible-body\" class=\"dcr-1axsptg\">\n<article class=\"block dcr-1xlsn8h\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Confirmed World Cup 2026 playoffs<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Path A<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">SF1: Italy v Northern Ireland<br \/>SF2: Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Path B<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">SF3: Ukraine v Sweden<br \/>SF4: Poland v Albania<br \/><strong>Path C<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">SF5: Turkey v Romania<br \/>SF6: Slovakia v Kosovo<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Path D<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">SF7: Denmark v North Macedonia<br \/>SF8: Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Draw for the finals:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Winner of SF2 (Wales Bosnia-Herzegovina) at home v winner of SF1 (Italy v Northern Ireland).<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Winner of SF3: (Ukraine and Sweden) at home v winner of SF4 (Poland v Albania).<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Winner of SF 6 (Slovakia v Kosovo v winner of SF5 (Turkey v Romania)<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Winner of SF8 (Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland) at home v winner of SF7 (Denmark v North Macedonia).<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0c6d8f08ba9435360214#block-691f0c6d8f08ba9435360214\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a>Updated at\u00a007.58 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<p><label for=\"pinned-post-checkbox\" id=\"pinned-post-button\" class=\"dcr-zw7tgl\"><span id=\"svgminus\" class=\"dcr-yhdhkr\"><\/span><span id=\"svgplus\" class=\"dcr-yhdhkr\"><\/span><\/label><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><span id=\"key-events-carousel-mobile\" \/><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\">Key events<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span id=\"filter-toggle-mobile\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"dcr-alru3r\"><label id=\"src-component-5847_description\" data-component=\"filter-key-events\" data-link-name=\"filter-key-events-on\" class=\"dcr-rrspei\"><button id=\"src-component-5847\" role=\"switch\" aria-labelledby=\"src-component-5847_description\" class=\"dcr-dh5oqp\" \/>Show key events only<\/p>\n<p><span>Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/label><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"block-691f134f8f08623c9086f2a5\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>World Cup draw proper:<\/strong> 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<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Each of the six remaining playoff routes will also be assigned their places in the groups.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f134f8f08623c9086f2a5#block-691f134f8f08623c9086f2a5\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691f11ab8f08ba9435360248\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Confirmed dates:<\/strong> The European semi-finals will take place on Thursday 26 March, with the finals the following Tuesday 31 March.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">As for the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, the semi-finals are slated for 23 March and the finals for 31 March.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f11ab8f08ba9435360248#block-691f11ab8f08ba9435360248\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f105d8f08ba943536023e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Thanks Luke.<\/strong> Let\u2019s just rattle through what this means for those involved.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Wales will host their final playoff<\/strong> against Italy or Northern Ireland <em>if<\/em> they get through their semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Ukraine could face neighbours Poland<\/strong> for a spot at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/world-cup-football\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">World Cup<\/a> if they both get through their semi-finals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>The Republic of Ireland could host Denmark<\/strong> in the final, a repeat of the 2018 World Cup playoff that the Danes stormed through<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Italy might have to go through a couple of UK teams<\/strong> to reach their first World Cup finals since 2014<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f105d8f08ba943536023e#block-691f105d8f08ba943536023e\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0ffc8f08623c9086f26c\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>That\u2019s all from me<\/strong>, congratulations in advance to everyone. Billy Munday is here to take up the baton.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0ffc8f08623c9086f26c#block-691f0ffc8f08623c9086f26c\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0fba8f08ccdfee44ae8b\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201c<strong>Sweden<\/strong> \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<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0fba8f08ccdfee44ae8b#block-691f0fba8f08ccdfee44ae8b\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0f7e8f08ba9435360228\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201c<strong>Please check your mobile phones<\/strong> 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<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0f7e8f08ba9435360228#block-691f0f7e8f08ba9435360228\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691f0e6a8f08623c9086f24c\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201c<strong>As an Irishman<\/strong>,\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<figure id=\"b620afcc-d012-469c-aaac-111041861a0d\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">C\u2019est Troy bien.<\/span> Photograph: Stephen McCarthy\/Sportsfile\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0e6a8f08623c9086f24c#block-691f0e6a8f08623c9086f24c\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.53 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691f0c6d8f08ba9435360214\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Confirmed World Cup 2026 playoffs<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Path A<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">SF1: Italy v Northern Ireland<br \/>SF2: Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Path B<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">SF3: Ukraine v Sweden<br \/>SF4: Poland v Albania<br \/><strong>Path C<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">SF5: Turkey v Romania<br \/>SF6: Slovakia v Kosovo<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Path D<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">SF7: Denmark v North Macedonia<br \/>SF8: Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Draw for the finals:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Winner of SF2 (Wales Bosnia-Herzegovina) at home v winner of SF1 (Italy v Northern Ireland).<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Winner of SF3: (Ukraine and Sweden) at home v winner of SF4 (Poland v Albania).<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Winner of SF 6 (Slovakia v Kosovo v winner of SF5 (Turkey v Romania)<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Winner of SF8 (Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland) at home v winner of SF7 (Denmark v North Macedonia).<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0c6d8f08ba9435360214#block-691f0c6d8f08ba9435360214\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.58 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691f0c5b8f08623c9086f23e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Denmark v North Macedonia<\/strong> in Path D.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0c5b8f08623c9086f23e#block-691f0c5b8f08623c9086f23e\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0c3b8f08623c9086f23c\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Turkey v Romania<\/strong> in Path C, semi-final 5.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0c3b8f08623c9086f23c#block-691f0c3b8f08623c9086f23c\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.40 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0c298f08ba9435360212\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Ukraine v Sweden<\/strong> in Path B.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0c298f08ba9435360212#block-691f0c298f08ba9435360212\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0c068f08ccdfee44ae6a\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Italy v Northern Ireland<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Confirmed in Path A.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0c068f08ccdfee44ae6a#block-691f0c068f08ccdfee44ae6a\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0ba58f08ccdfee44ae66\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Confirmed in Path D.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0ba58f08ccdfee44ae66#block-691f0ba58f08ccdfee44ae66\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0b938f08623c9086f23a\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Slovakia v Kosovo<\/strong> in Path C.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0b938f08623c9086f23a#block-691f0b938f08623c9086f23a\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0b798f08623c9086f239\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Poland v Albania<\/strong> in Path B.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0b798f08623c9086f239#block-691f0b798f08623c9086f239\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0b3e8f08623c9086f236\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Confirmed in semi-final No 2, Path A.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0b3e8f08623c9086f236#block-691f0b3e8f08623c9086f236\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.36 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691f0af88f08623c9086f231\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Czech Republic<\/strong> host semi-final 8 in Path D.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0af88f08623c9086f231#block-691f0af88f08623c9086f231\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0ae08f08623c9086f230\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Slovakia<\/strong> home in semi-final 6, Path C.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0ae08f08623c9086f230#block-691f0ae08f08623c9086f230\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0ad28f08623c9086f22f\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Poland<\/strong> home in semi-final 4, Path B.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0ad28f08623c9086f22f#block-691f0ad28f08623c9086f22f\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691f0aaf8f08ba9435360207\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Wales<\/strong> are the first team drawn from Pot 2, they will host semi-final 2, in Path A.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0aaf8f08ba9435360207#block-691f0aaf8f08ba9435360207\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0a608f08ccdfee44ae5a\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Denmark<\/strong> host their semi-final in Path D.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0a608f08ccdfee44ae5a#block-691f0a608f08ccdfee44ae5a\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0a428f08ccdfee44ae54\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Turkey<\/strong> host semi-final 5, in Path C.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0a428f08ccdfee44ae54#block-691f0a428f08ccdfee44ae54\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.32 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0a328f08ba9435360200\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Ukraine<\/strong> host semi-final 3, in Path B.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0a328f08ba9435360200#block-691f0a328f08ba9435360200\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f0a048f08ccdfee44ae4e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Italy are drawn first. <\/strong>They are in Path A, hosting a semi-final at home.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f0a048f08ccdfee44ae4e#block-691f0a048f08ccdfee44ae4e\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f09c78f08623c9086f21a\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>OK. Here we go.<\/strong> Pot 1 first.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f09c78f08623c9086f21a#block-691f09c78f08623c9086f21a\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f09738f08ccdfee44ae4a\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>The Sweden legend<\/strong> Martin Dahlin is here, too!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"7a77cdf3-e918-43ac-93c2-dec8dd9fdb96\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Martin Dahlin of Sweden in 1989.<\/span> Photograph: Ben Radford\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f09738f08ccdfee44ae4a#block-691f09738f08ccdfee44ae4a\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691f08bd8f08623c9086f20d\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201c<strong>It\u2019s a memory we never forget<\/strong>. I\u2019m very very proud,\u201d says special guest Marco Materazzi, of winning the 2006 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/world-cup-football\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">World Cup<\/a> with Italy.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"af2f0121-2820-47a3-a458-fbdccd4491df\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Special memories.<\/span> Photograph: John MacDougall\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f08bd8f08623c9086f20d#block-691f08bd8f08623c9086f20d\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.27 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691f08748f08ccdfee44ae3c\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Teams in Pot 1<\/strong> will be drawn against those in Pot 4, leaving the titans of Pot 2 to take on the giants of Pot 3.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f08748f08ccdfee44ae3c#block-691f08748f08ccdfee44ae3c\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f08598f08623c9086f205\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>The pots for the Uefa section<\/strong> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/world-cup-football\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">World Cup<\/a> playoff draw:<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Pot 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine.<br \/>Pot 2: Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia.<br \/>Pot 3: Republic of Ireland, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo.<br \/>Pot 4: Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f08598f08623c9086f205#block-691f08598f08623c9086f205\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.24 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f07e98f08623c9086f200\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201c<strong>Welcome<\/strong>, welcome to everyone,\u201d says Infantino.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cWe\u2019ve seen some incredible images in the last days.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cRemember, football unites the world. Enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Thanks, Gianni!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f07e98f08623c9086f200#block-691f07e98f08623c9086f200\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.24 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f07c48f08623c9086f1fc\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Apols, I initially had the Path 2 final wrong<\/strong> below. It is of course: Iraq v Bolivia or Suriname.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f07c48f08623c9086f1fc#block-691f07c48f08623c9086f1fc\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.22 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f07608f08ba94353601d6\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Here we go then.<\/strong> The Uefa section of the playoff draw has officially begun, and the draw itself is moments away, after a few more pleasantries.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f07608f08ba94353601d6#block-691f07608f08ba94353601d6\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f06eb8f08623c9086f1ed\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Fifa are now showing a montage about Mexico.<\/strong> I know all you Irish and Welsh fans are enjoying it.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f06eb8f08623c9086f1ed#block-691f06eb8f08623c9086f1ed\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691f060b8f08623c9086f1df\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Fifa World Cup 2026: confirmed international playoff draw<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Path 1 semi final: <\/strong>New Caledonia v Jamaica<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Path 1 final:<\/strong> Congo DR v New Caledonia or Jamaica<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Path 2 semi-final:<\/strong> Bolivia v Suriname<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Path 2 final:<\/strong> Iraq v Bolivia or Suriname<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The matches will take place in Mexico, in Guadalajara and Monterrey, both hosts cities for the tournament proper.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f060b8f08623c9086f1df#block-691f060b8f08623c9086f1df\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.21 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f05ee8f08ba94353601c4\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Bolivia<\/strong>, who beat Brazil on the final matchday, will face Suriname in the Path 2 semi-final.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f05ee8f08ba94353601c4#block-691f05ee8f08ba94353601c4\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f05b18f08ccdfee44ae16\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>New Caledonia v Jamaica<\/strong> is the semi-final in Path 1. The winner of that tie plays Congo DR for a place at the tournament.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f05b18f08ccdfee44ae16#block-691f05b18f08ccdfee44ae16\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f05718f08623c9086f1db\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Congo DR<\/strong> are the first name out of the hat, and will be in the final of Path 1.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Iraq, consequently, are in the final of Path 2.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f05718f08623c9086f1db#block-691f05718f08623c9086f1db\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.12 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f051e8f08623c9086f1d7\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>So in this international draw,<\/strong> 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<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f051e8f08623c9086f1d7#block-691f051e8f08623c9086f1d7\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f046a8f08ba94353601bd\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>It\u2019s Christian Karembeu!<\/strong> He was born in New Caledonia, who are in the international draw and could make it to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/world-cup-football\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">World Cup<\/a> for the first time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\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<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f046a8f08ba94353601bd#block-691f046a8f08ba94353601bd\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691f03be8f08ba94353601ae\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201c<strong>It is a great pleasure<\/strong> to have you here in the beautiful city of Zurich,\u201d says Gianni Infantino. \u201cIt will be the greatest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/world-cup-football\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">World Cup<\/a> ever.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cIt will be 104 Superbowls in one month \u2026 we\u2019ll have 7m in the stadiums, and 6bn watching at home.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cI wish you the very best of luck in the draw \u2026 thanks for being here and welcome, again, to Fifa.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"29a48ce1-7d2e-45e8-ab45-4d9a5c0942f5\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Gianni Infantino\u2019s catalogue pose.<\/span> Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f03be8f08ba94353601ae#block-691f03be8f08ba94353601ae\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.06 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691f035e8f08623c9086f1b2\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Anyway<\/strong>, the draw is under way, and Melanie Winiger is our host.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"e44b5e3a-c0c5-471e-a1c3-043a7c4e96d0\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Gianluigi Buffon and and Italy&#8217;s coach Gennaro Gattuso.<\/span> Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f035e8f08623c9086f1b2#block-691f035e8f08623c9086f1b2\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.04 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691f03278f08ccdfee44adf3\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201c<strong>I\u2019ve just realised<\/strong> there is a possibility that Republic of Ireland play Northern Ireland in Dublin in a friendly in March four days after both sides <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/world-cup-football\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">World Cup<\/a> dreams are over,\u201d writes Fergus. \u201cThe most depressing game of international football that could ever be played.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Keep the faith.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691f03278f08ccdfee44adf3#block-691f03278f08ccdfee44adf3\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a007.02 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691effdc8f08ccdfee44adcd\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>\u201cHi Luke,\u201d emails Paul.<\/strong> \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<figure id=\"88c22e18-2de7-44a8-9dc7-e8c045805cce\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Hotels in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids have presumably not seen an uptick in bookings for next March.<\/span> Photograph: isifa Image Service s r o\/Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691effdc8f08ccdfee44adcd#block-691effdc8f08ccdfee44adcd\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a006.50 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691eff6c8f08ccdfee44adbe\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>And in more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/world-cup-football\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">World Cup<\/a> reading<\/strong>, 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<figure id=\"a81a2b7a-cba1-4fe9-9104-eb15df44ec26\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691eff6c8f08ccdfee44adbe#block-691eff6c8f08ccdfee44adbe\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691efe0c8f08623c9086f156\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>\u2018I was on my knees on the living room floor\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Scotland fans describe their experiences during the wild 4-2 win against Denmark on Tuesday:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"8661dfad-405e-4f39-9ab1-adc859a44e2b\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">And here is our reporter Ewan Murray on how Steve Clarke hopes Scotland\u2019s qualification will inspire the next generation:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"ae7b73fe-b23e-46e4-9e36-c42a90753c1a\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691efe0c8f08623c9086f156#block-691efe0c8f08623c9086f156\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a006.41 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691efb128f08926f5e1da294\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Here is some reading<\/strong> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/world-cup-football\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">World Cup<\/a> in dramatic style.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"08df0c23-9323-4e5d-aee8-0772f50154a7\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"a8955951-498a-44bc-a72e-21a295909bd6\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"293a1eb3-ef97-4a11-9afb-f467729aa814\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"5b92ce1a-f608-4ae5-9453-dd1cf1a29046\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691efb128f08926f5e1da294#block-691efb128f08926f5e1da294\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691ef9878f08926f5e1da280\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201c<strong>As an ROI supporter<\/strong>, 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<figure id=\"8c48d926-4d7a-4cae-a4f9-ea80b0446cd5\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Toto Schillaci in 1990.<\/span> Photograph: Daniel Garc\u00eda\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691ef9878f08926f5e1da280#block-691ef9878f08926f5e1da280\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-691ef87f8f085118b4516b98\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201c<strong>I enjoy a long preamble<\/strong> as much as the next person,\u201d writes Ruairi<strong>.<\/strong> \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<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">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<figure id=\"30508e95-babd-4763-81de-f484d5cc5eaf\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino.<\/span> Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691ef87f8f085118b4516b98#block-691ef87f8f085118b4516b98\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691ef7648f08b9b36a32a3a1\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<div class=\"dcr-dzkvsd\">\n<div class=\"dcr-uae6pk\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-sa35sa\">Libby Brooks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>The prognosis<\/strong> from the north Glasgow primary schools squad had been bleak. \u201cEverybody says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/scotland\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">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<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/2025\/nov\/18\/scotland-denmark-world-cup-2026-qualifying-match-report\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">4-2 win against Denmark<\/a> at Hampden.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"672ec606-8e84-4f19-a569-834954fb50c4\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691ef7648f08b9b36a32a3a1#block-691ef7648f08b9b36a32a3a1\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691ef6778f08243f463833c7\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201c<strong>Don\u2019t think a \u201clocal derby\u201d<\/strong> 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<figure id=\"e0577fd5-4e85-448a-8c5c-e201a6691e66\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.<\/span> Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Personally, I\u2019d rather try Bratislava. I\u2019ve been to Prague and wasn\u2019t all that keen.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691ef6778f08243f463833c7#block-691ef6778f08243f463833c7\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691ef5368f08243f463833bb\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201c<strong>As someone who supports both Irish teams<\/strong> (controversial, I know), it\u2019s the hope that I fear,\u201d emails Phil.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">That\u2019s deep. Thanks Phil. Keep your expectations low, then you are less likely to be disappointed.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"2d4d966c-59db-49c7-8f49-122d58e2809a\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Ray Houghton after scoring for Republic of Ireland against Italy in 1994.<\/span> Photograph: Billy Strickland\/ALLSPORT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691ef5368f08243f463833bb#block-691ef5368f08243f463833bb\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691ef43b8f08097239b90e24\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Note<\/strong>: the international playoff draw will take place before the Uefa bit. It all kicks off in about an hour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The teams in the international draw are: Iraq, DR Congo, Jamaica, Bolivia, Suriname and New Caledonia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Iraq and DR Congo are seeded, the other four are not. The two CONCACAF teams must be in separate \u201cpaths\u201d.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691ef43b8f08097239b90e24#block-691ef43b8f08097239b90e24\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a006.07 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691ef3428f08d30400d997a6\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Republic of Ireland<\/strong> fans, Wales fans, Northern Ireland fans. What are your hopes, dreams and fears? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/mailto:luke.mclaughlin@theguardian.com\" data-link-name=\"in body link \">Mail<\/a> me<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691ef3428f08d30400d997a6#block-691ef3428f08d30400d997a6\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a005.55 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691ef30f8f08d30400d997a4\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>So <\/strong><em><strong>theoretically<\/strong><\/em>, the Uefa draw could end up looking like this:<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Italy v Northern Ireland<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Denmark v Sweden<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Turkey v Romania<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Ukraine v North Macedonia<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Wales v Republic of Ireland<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Poland v Bosnia-Herzegovina<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Czech Republic v Kosovo<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Slovakia v Albania<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691ef30f8f08d30400d997a4#block-691ef30f8f08d30400d997a4\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a006.05 EST<\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-691c53728f088fdc2a360323\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Preamble<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Scotland booked their plane tickets to the good ol\u2019 US of A with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/2025\/nov\/18\/scotland-denmark-world-cup-2026-qualifying-match-report\" data-link-name=\"in body link\">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<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/world-cup-football\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">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<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">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<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Pot 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine.<br \/>Pot 2: Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia.<br \/>Pot 3: Republic of Ireland, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo.<br \/>Pot 4: Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>The draw commences at 12pm UK time.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Let\u2019s get ready to rumble!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-691c53728f088fdc2a360323#block-691c53728f088fdc2a360323\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/football\/live\/2025\/nov\/20\/world-cup-2026-qualifying-playoffs-draw-live\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Confirmed World Cup 2026 playoffs Path A SF1: Italy v Northern IrelandSF2: Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina Path B SF3: Ukraine v SwedenSF4: Poland v AlbaniaPath C SF5: Turkey v RomaniaSF6: Slovakia v Kosovo Path D SF7: Denmark v North MacedoniaSF8: Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland Draw for the finals: Winner of SF2 (Wales Bosnia-Herzegovina) at &#8230; <a title=\"World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live | World Cup 2026 qualifiers\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/?p=10490\" aria-label=\"Read more about World Cup 2026 playoffs draw: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia v Republic of Ireland, Italy v Northern Ireland \u2013 live | World Cup 2026 qualifiers\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10491,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10490","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/World-Cup-2026-playoffs-draw-Wales-v-Bosnia-and-Herzegovina.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10490","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10490"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10490\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10492,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10490\/revisions\/10492"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10491"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10490"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10490"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10490"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}