How can Ireland reach a World Cup playoff?

Second-placed earns entry into the 16-team playoffs in March 2026, from which the final four European teams are decided

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and his team after the Armenia victory at the Aviva Stadium. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Four points from four games leaves Ireland in third place of their World Cup qualifying group heading into the concluding fixtures in November.

Leaders Portugal, on 10 points, are hot favourites to claim the one automatic ticket to next year’s finals co-hosted by USA. Mexico and Canada.