#play-offs

#play-offs

Northern Ireland will face hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B of the World Cup if they come through March's tricky play-off. Michael O'Neill's side finished third in their qualifying group behind Germany and Slovakia, but still booked a play-off spot thanks to their Nations League finish in 2024. Northern Ireland face a difficult play-off semi-final in Italy, who have not played at the World Cup since 2014, on 26 March in Path A.

A reminder of today's four pots, for when the actual draw eventually gets underway. Remember, Ireland are in pot four as UEFA play-off D, should they successfully navigate the play-offs in March. Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany. Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia.

Tomas Bobcek's 91st-minute winner condemned Northern Ireland to defeat and set Slovakia up for a winner-takes-all decider with Germany in 2026 World Cup qualifying on a night when the visitors secured a play-off place courtesy of other results. Croatia's victory at home to the Faroe Islands means Michael O'Neill's side will contest a two-legged decider to reach next year's tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico because they will be one of the highest-placing Nations League group winners in European qualifying.

This time last year, Sunderland were dreaming of promotion to the Premier League after going top of the Championship table by beating Luton Town. Fast forward 12 months and the Black Cats have just beaten Club World Cup champions Chelsea to move to within two points of leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table. To describe Sunderland's start merely as a dream would be to do it a disservice.

Looks like the perfect fit, a real coup for Connacht, who now have the infrastructure in place to make big improvements.

Estudiantes Rio Cuarto is poised to strengthen their play-off position in Primera Nacional after an unbeaten run at home, contrasting Agropecuario's inconsistent performance.

Walsall holds a 2-0 advantage over Chesterfield as they head into the second leg of the League Two play-offs, aiming to secure a spot in the finals.

Airdrieonians demonstrated resilience by defeating Stenhousemuir, securing their spot in the Scottish Championship play-offs against Cove Rangers, aiming for league retention.

The League Two play-offs will start on May 11, 2025, featuring semi-finals on specified dates, leading to a final on May 26 hosted at Wembley.

Worthing is seeking to build momentum after a commanding 5-1 win, while Maidstone aims to regain form amid a disappointing finish to their campaign.