Play-off explainer: what happens next for Ireland in World Cup bid?

Ireland secured a play-off with a thrilling win in Budapest

MARCHING ON: Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson celebrates after the win at Puskás Aréna in Budapest. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

So… what’s next? 

For a moment there, it may have felt like we won the World Cup.

But Troy Parrott’s incredible hat-trick — and that late, late winner — means that Ireland now look forward to the play-offs in March.

A first World Cup finals appearance for the Boys in Green — this time in North America — since 2002 is now still a live possibility. Pass me that credit union book. 

When are the play-offs?

After two hugely impressive victories, Ireland have momentum. But it’s now a long wait for the playoffs, which will be held in March.

Ireland have negotiated two-legged playoffs in the past — like the tie with Iran on the way to Japan and Korea in '02. This time, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side will have to make it past two teams to join football's elite in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Ireland will first look to negotiate a single-leg semi-final on Thursday, March 26.

If that happens, they’ll have to line out in a do-or-die play-off final just a few days later on Tuesday, March 31.

If they lose the semi-final? It’ll be the booby prize of a friendly game against one of the other beaten semi-finalists on that Tuesday evening.

When will we know Ireland face?

Here’s the science bit. The draw for the playoffs will be held on Thursday at midday in Zurich.

The 12 group runners-up in Uefa qualifying will be allocated into pots one to three. The seeding is based on the current world rankings.

The four teams who enter via the Nations League will be put into pot four.

Ireland are likely to be in pot three, meaning their semi-final will be an away trip. 

If the past week’s superb double header improves Ireland’s rankings enough, however, it might push them into pot 2 — thus securing a home semi-final.

At the semi-final stage, pot one teams will host those in pot four and the pot two team will, you guessed it, host the pot three teams.

The host for the respective finals will be decided by a draw.

So who could we get?

This international window will close on Tuesday night and we’ll have a much better idea then.

Albania, Czechia and Ukraine have sealed play-off spots, as well as Ireland. Turkey are three points behind Spain and will most likely take second.

Romania, Sweden and Northern Ireland have confirmed their participation through the Nations League route.

And a raft of teams — from Germany to Denmark to the Netherlands and Scotland — have secured at least a play-off.