Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have a chance to qualify for the World Cup via the play-offs.
Northern Ireland have earned a place after their Nations League performance which saw them win their group, and Troy Parrott's heroics in Hungary means the Republic or Ireland finished second in their World Cup qualifying group.
Could Northern Ireland play Republic of Ireland in a World Cup 2026 Playoff Final?
The play-offs are more complex than ever. From the 12 qualifying groups, the second place teams automatically book their spot in the qualification.
The remaining four spaces are decided by Nations League performance, with group winners who finished outside the top tow of the World Cup qualifying group able to gain a place in the play-offs.
Northern Ireland gained their place this way, with all group winners from Nations League A and B finishing inside the top two of their World Cup qualifying groups.
Four of the 16 teams will be heading to the World Cup next year. There are four pathways, with each pathway consisting of a team from each pot.
The first three pots are decided based on FIFA world rankings, and the fourth pot was decided using Nations League finishes. The four pots are as follows:
- Pot 1: Italy, Ukraine, Turkey, Denmark.
- Pot 2: Wales, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic.
- Pot 3: Kosovo, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania.
- Pot 4: Romania, Northern Ireland, Sweden, North Macedonia.
Teams from Pot 1 will host a team from Pot 4 in the semi-final, with teams in Pot 2 hosting teams in Pot 3.
The host country for each final will be determined by a draw after the semi-finals.
So, could Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland face each other in the play-offs?
Yes they could. Should both teams be drawn on the same pathway in the play-off, they would be able to meet in a winner takes all match for a spot at the World Cup in March 2026.
Northern Ireland will first travel to one of Italy, Ukraine, Turkey and Denmark, while the Republic of Ireland face a trip to Wales, Slovakia, Poland or the Czech Republic.
Should they both win, it would set up a mouth watering final in either the Aviva Stadium, or Windsor Park in a clash that would be spoken about for generations.
Of course, there is the chance that they both face Wales. The Republic of Ireland could face them in the semi-final, whilst Northern Ireland could face them in the final.
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