Ireland to face Poland, Wales, Czechia or Slovakia in World Cup play-off semi-final

Any hope Ireland had of being part of Pot 2 was obliterated by Wales hammering North Macedonia 7-1. 

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson celebrates after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F Qualifier match between Hungary and the Republic of Ireland. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ireland will have an away World Cup play-off semi-final, facing one of Poland, Wales, Czechia and Slovakia on March 26.

Heimir Hallgrímsson will be at Fifa headquarters in Zurich on Thursday to witness which of the quartet his team face, along with the potential finalists they’ll meet five days later for a place at the showpiece.