The 2026 World Cup playoff draw has sensationally set the stage for a potential all-British final in Cardiff, pitting Wales against Northern Ireland for one of Europe’s four remaining spots. For this thrilling prospect to materialize, both teams must first navigate their challenging semi-finals in March, but the chance to play a winner-takes-all derby for a place at the finals has electrifyingly seized the imagination of football fans across the British Isles.
Wales has the more favorable semi-final task, hosting Bosnia & Herzegovina on home turf. Buoyed by their recent 7–1 rout of North Macedonia, manager Craig Bellamy’s side is full of momentum and confidence. With the added incentive of knowing that the playoff final will also be played in Cardiff, their journey could be a triumphant two-game sprint entirely on home soil, provided they handle the considerable pressure.
Northern Ireland’s path is far more difficult, facing a monumental away semi-final challenge against the four-time World Cup winners, Italy. Coach Michael O’Neill has acknowledged it is “as tough as we can get,” but he notes that the immense pressure is entirely on the Italian side, who have missed the last two tournaments. An upset would instantly become one of the greatest results in Northern Irish football history and would secure the dream ticket to Cardiff for the final.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland finds themselves in a separate path. They must travel to Prague for a tough semi-final against the Czech Republic. The team, however, is full of belief following a brilliant qualification run, highlighted by Troy Parrott’s five goals in two recent games. A successful trip to Prague would result in a vital home final against either Denmark or North Macedonia, representing a massive opportunity for their first World Cup appearance since 2002.
Four tickets to the World Cup are up for grabs across Europe’s playoff paths. The intense semi-finals will take place on March 26, followed by the deciding finals on March 31. This specific Path A, featuring the UK nations, is undoubtedly the most captivating, with the looming possibility of a historical final match generating huge global interest beyond just the home nations.