Americas World Cup Play-Off Draw: Wales Get Home Advantage, Northern Ireland Face Italy

The Digest:

The 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs have set up dramatic potential showdowns for Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, with the draw revealing paths filled with both opportunity and formidable challenges. Wales secured two potential home games, Northern Ireland faces a tough trip to Italy, and the Republic of Ireland received what many consider a favorable draw in their quest to end a 23-year World Cup absence.

Key Points:

• Wales will host Bosnia-Herzegovina in the semi-final on March 26, 2026
• Northern Ireland face a difficult away match against Italy in their semi-final
• Republic of Ireland travel to the Czech Republic before a potential home final
• Wales could host either Italy or Northern Ireland in the play-off final
• All play-off finals will be played on March 31, 2026
• Former Wales players described the draw as "the best they could hope for"
• Northern Ireland face their first World Cup qualification attempt since 1986

As the road to the 2026 World Cup narrows, these matchups represent not just games of football but potential historic moments, where home advantage meets formidable tradition, and underdogs prepare to write their names into legend.

Sources: BBC Sport, Sky Sports