"The play-offs are more complex than ever. From the 12 qualifying groups, the second place teams automatically book their spot in the qualification. The remaining four spaces are decided by Nations League performance, with group winners who finished outside the top tow of the World Cup qualifying group able to gain a place in the play-offs. Northern Ireland gained their place this way, with all group winners from Nations League A and B finishing inside the top two of their World Cup qualifying groups."
"There are four pathways, with each pathway consisting of a team from each pot. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. The first three pots are decided based on FIFA world rankings, and the fourth pot was decided using Nations League finishes. The four pots are as follows: Pot 1: Italy, Ukraine, Turkey, Denmark. Pot 2: Wales, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic. Pot 3: Kosovo, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania. Pot 4: Romania, Northern Ireland, Sweden, North Macedonia."
Troy Parrott scored a last-minute winner to send the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup play-offs in March 2026. Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have pathways to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Northern Ireland earned a play-off place by winning their Nations League group after finishing outside automatic qualifying spots. The play-offs include 16 teams across four pathways, with second-place finishers from 12 groups and four additional places allocated via Nations League performance. Pots are determined by FIFA rankings and Nations League finishes, with Pot 1 hosting Pot 4 matchups.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]