Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will discover their potential opponents
The draw for the 2026 World Cup draw takes place in Washington DC, with both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland discovering their potential opponents. However, both sides face big challenges to qualify for the tournament.
Northern Ireland need to beat Italy away from home and then get past the winners of Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, also away from home. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland take on the Czech Republic in a semi-final play-off in Prague. If they triumph in that match, they will then compete against the winners of Denmark v North Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium.
Both semi-final clashes take place on March 26, with the finals being staged five days later.
Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are in Pot 4 for the draw, with Michael O’Neill’s men competing in UEFA Play-off 1, while Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side are in UEFA Play-off 4.
Here’s what you need to know about the draw:
When and where is it?
The draw will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C on Friday, December 5.
US President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are expected to participate in a ceremonial ball draw.
What time does it start?
The draw ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5pm Irish and UK time, but bear in mind that the actual draw may not start until some time later.
The event is anticipated to last for two hours, with performances by Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Village People.
Where can I watch it?
The draw will be shown live on BBC Two, the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer. It will also be streamed live on FIFA’s YouTube and website.
Which countries are in which Pots?
Pot 1
- Mexico (Group A)
- Canada (Group B)
- United States (Group D)
- Germany
- Argentina
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Spain
- France
- England
- Netherlands
- Portugal
Pot 2
- Croatia
- Morocco
- Colombia
- Uruguay
- Switzerland
- Senegal
- Japan
- Iran
- South Korea
- Ecuador
- Austria
- Australia
Pot 3
- Norway
- Panama
- Egypt
- Algeria
- Scotland
- Paraguay
- Ivory Coast
- Tunisia
- Qatar
- Uzbekistan
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
Pot 4
- Jordan
- Cape Verde
- Ghana
- Curacao
- New Zealand
- Haiti
- UEFA play-offs #1
- UEFA play-off #2
- UEFA Play-Off #3
- UEFA Play-off #4
- Intercontinental Play-off #1
- Intercontinental Play-off #2
Which cities are set to host the matches?
USA: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle.
Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.
Canada: Toronto and Vancouver.
Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland managers on the play-off draw
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill: “We knew we’d always have a tough fixture away from home regardless of who it would be.
“I suppose we’d have preferred one of the other teams that were in pot one but ultimately to get to the World Cup we’re going to have to beat two very good teams.
“Italy away will be a massive game, great game for us to be involved in. Obviously the expectation and the pressure is very much on the Italians and we have to try to use that in our favour and we have to believe.
“I think the performances we’ve given in this campaign and away from home, I think they’ve been strong and hopefully that will give us confidence that we believe we can go to Italy and win the game.
“The big thing for me is that come March we’re as strong as possible in terms of the players’ availability, that will be a big factor for us. And, if we are, I believe we can get the right result.”
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson: “It was always going to be a tricky and difficult first match.
“All the (four possible) teams playing at home, higher ranked than us – I really didn’t mind which one it was.
“Maybe we thought Poland would be the trickiest one, but all of the others are similar.
“But we’re on a high at the moment, long may that continue, that we keep on improving.
“It was kind of funny to see the reaction of who were there. Some were disappointed to be in the play-offs, others were excited to be in the play-offs.
“It was mixed emotions, looking at the coaches and speaking to them before. But we’re happy we’re here.
“This is what we wanted. And now we need to maximise the moment.”
World Cup betting odds
Spain 4/1
England 6/1
France 7/1
Brazil 7/1
Argentina 17/2
Portugal 12/1
Germany 12/1
Netherlands 20/1
Norway 20/1
Uruguay 33/1
Belgium 40/1
Colombia 40/1
Italy 40/1
66/1 bar
Ireland 500/1
Northern Ireland 1000/1
