The World Cup qualifiers are nearing completion, yet several nations face an anxious wait before the final lineup for next summer’s tournament is confirmed. As anticipation builds, 16 European teams will advance to the play-offs, which are set to occur following the World Cup group-stage draw scheduled for December 5.
Troy Parrott delivered a spectacular last-minute winner against Hungary, securing the Republic of Ireland’s place in the play-offs alongside group winners Portugal. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are also guaranteed at least a play-off spot. Parrott’s impressive hat-trick in Budapest showcased the Republic of Ireland’s determination and resilience on the field.
The play-offs will unfold in single-leg knockout matches, with teams being drawn into four groups of four. Each team will need to win two matches to secure a coveted spot in the World Cup, comprising semi-finals and a final.
The UEFA play-off draw will take place on November 20 at 12pm GMT, while the play-off matches are slated for March 2026, with semi-finals on March 26 and finals on March 31.
The 12 group runners-up, including the Republic of Ireland, will join four additional teams—those ranked highest in the previous Nations League who did not finish in the top two of their qualifying groups, such as Northern Ireland. The teams will be divided into four pots based on FIFA rankings. For instance, Italy, ranked ninth, is the highest-ranked European side that failed to qualify automatically, placing them in Pot A.
Confirmed group runners-up include Italy, Ukraine, Poland, and others, while the confirmed Nations League teams are Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, and North Macedonia.
In addition, an inter-continental play-off draw is also set for November 20, featuring six teams, with the top two teams based on FIFA rankings receiving byes to the finals.
The excitement will reach a peak on December 5 at 5pm GMT/12pm EST, when the draw for the 2026 World Cup will occur at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., with U.S. President Donald Trump expected to be in attendance. The near completion of qualifiers heralds a thrilling conclusion as nations vie for a chance on football’s grandest stage.