"Wales and Northern Ireland will do battle for a place at the 2026 World Cup if they navigate playoff semi-finals of differing toughness in March. The pair would fight it out in Cardiff for a ticket to next year's showpiece if Wales win a home tie against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Northern Ireland prevail in a fiendish trip to Italy, who are out of form but will be strongly favoured. It is a particularly appetising draw for Craig Bellamy's Wales, who are flying after defeating North Macedonia 7-1 on Tuesday and are two home victories from a return to the most exalted stage."
"The Republic of Ireland, fresh from an extraordinary week in which Troy Parrott scored all five goals in their wins over Portugal and Hungary, will feel quietly confident of a first finals spot since 2002. They must travel to face Czech Republic in the semi-finals but, should they muster further heroics in Prague, a home final against Denmark or North Macedonia lies in wait."
Four European teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup via playoff paths with semi-finals on 26 March and finals five days later. Wales can reach a home final in Cardiff if they beat Bosnia & Herzegovina; Northern Ireland face a difficult away semi-final at Italy. Republic of Ireland travel to Czech Republic and could host a final against Denmark or North Macedonia. Other ties include Ukraine v Sweden, Poland v Albania, and Slovakia or Kosovo against Turkey or Romania. Inter-confederation playoffs include Jamaica v New Caledonia, with the winner facing Democratic Republic of the Congo for a finals berth.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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