Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland learn play-off opponents for 2026 World Cup

The finals will then be played five days later.

England and Scotland have already qualified for the showpiece tournament, with both nations topping their groups.

Wales ensured their place in the play-offs with an emphatic 7-1 victory over North Macedonia on Tuesday.

And Craig Bellamy's men will lock horns with Bosnia and Herzegovina, who last graced the main tournament in 2014.

Heimir Hallgrímsson's Republic of Ireland side went into their showdown with Hungary on Sunday needing all three points to boost their chances of making the cut.

And Troy Parrott produced the goods, with the former Tottenham star netting a sublime hat-trick - including a dramatic late winner - to spark wild celebrations in the away end.

Standing in their way of reaching next summer's competition is Czech Republic.

Ireland will have to play away from home but, with Parrott scoring five goals in two matches over the last international break, they'll fancy their chances of going through.

As for Northern Ireland, Michael O'Neill's side have been absent from the World Cup ever since 1982.

They'll have to do things the hard way, though, having been drawn against Italy.

Italy have won the World Cup four times, the same amount as Germany, with only Brazil triumphing more over the years.

In recent years they've struggled, however, with their last outing coming back in 2014 when Antonio Conte, the current manager of Napoli, was in charge.

It is good news for both Wales and Ireland, meanwhile.

Both sides would be at home if they're able to reach the final of the play-offs, something that could potentially work in their favour as they look to join England and Scotland at next summer's event.

Read on below for the full European play-off draw.

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

Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland

Key facts about the 2026 World Cup

Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026

Hosts: United States (11 cities), Canada (2 cities), Mexico (3 cities)

Teams: 48 (expanded from 32)

Total Matches: 104

Final Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA