With Ireland's place as a third seed for the draw now confirmed, here is the lowdown on their potential opponents in the World Cup play-offs.

The Republic of Ireland will be away to one of Poland, Wales, the Czech Republic or Slovakia in a World Cup playoff semi-final next March. A 7-1 victory for Wales over North Macedonia in Cardiff confirmed Ireland will be in Pot 3 for Thursday’s playoff draw in Zurich.

Northern Ireland, Sweden and North Macedonia, three of Italy’s possible opponents in the World Cup play-off semifinal, are the only teams to have already denied the Azzurri a place in the

Two teams trying to do the unthinkable meet up on Sunday, as Hungary and the Republic of Ireland play for a potential spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

No other competition inspires such uncomplicated, widespread joy. When you strip it back to its core, the World Cup is cynicism-proof

UEFA’s sizable representation at the 2026 World Cup means they’ll stage their own playoffs, as they did in 2022, while those who scraped out of their respective qualifying processes around the rest of the world will be involved in FIFA’s inter-confederation playoffs.

Hungary Vs Republic Of Ireland Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Catch the key updates from the HUN vs IRL, football qualifying match at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, as it happened

The November international break brought an end to the World Cup qualification process, and with it, 42 teams have now booked their places at next

Al Jazeera’s breakdown of the qualified teams, playoffs and shock omissions from the FIFA World Cup in North America.

What a moment for these Irish fans as Ireland keeps its FIFA World Cup hopes alive 🇮🇪