Get Live Updates on World Cup Playoff Draw as Ireland Awaits Their Fate
The anticipation for the 2026 World Cup playoff draw is palpable, particularly for the Republic of Ireland. Scheduled for 12 PM in Zurich, this draw holds significant implications for the national team, which seeks a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
Understanding the World Cup Playoff Draw
The Republic of Ireland enters the draw from pot 3. Their potential opponents include notable teams from pot 2, specifically Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
Team Groupings for the Draw
- Pot 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine
- Pot 2: Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia
- Pot 3: Republic of Ireland, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo
- Pot 4: Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland
Match Format and Progression
The draw’s structure is critical to understand. Teams from pot 2 will compete against those from pot 3. Additionally, the higher-ranked teams from pot 1 will face off against the teams in pot 4.
Each match will see the higher-ranked team hosting the first leg. For Ireland, their away game will determine their fate against one of their pot 2 rivals.
Advancement to the Finals
The winners of these semi-final clashes will advance to the playoff final. In Ireland’s case, they will face the victor of the pot 1 and pot 4 matchup.
A crucial draw will take place to establish which semi-final winner enjoys home advantage in the final showdown. All matches—both semi-finals and finals—will follow a knockout format, emphasizing the need for teams to perform under pressure.
As the draw approaches, enthusiasm builds around the potential scenarios. Fans eagerly await to discover Ireland’s path to the World Cup, hoping for a favorable outcome against their European rivals.
