The 2026 World Cup play-offs took place between UEFA member nations on Thursday night, with none of their countries advancing to the semi-finals.
Republic of Ireland defeated in Prague (Image: Getty Images)
With the play-off semi-finals over, England and Scotland will be the only home nations at this summer’s World Cup.
The Republic of Ireland’s dream came to a heartbreaking end with a penalty. Mosimir Chytil, Finn Azaz and Alan Brown all had their spot kicks saved as the hosts slipped away.
AIl got off to a very promising start for Ireland after Troy Parrott’s opening goal. Vladimir Dalida scored from the penalty spot after fouling Nathan Collins.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side then doubled their lead with an own goal from former West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal. Patrik Schick then converted his own penalty, giving the hosts a foothold in the game.
Just when it looked like Ireland would advance, Ladislav Krejci equalized for the hosts and the Czech Republic advanced on penalties. They will now face Denmark, who defeated North Macedonia 4-0. Brentford winger Mikel Damsgaard was on the scoresheet, with Gustav Isaksen scoring twice and Christian Eriksen also scoring.
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Fellow home country Wales also played a penalty shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Leeds wideman Dan James took the lead in the second half with a great strike, before Edin Dzeko equalized late on. Neither team could find a winner in extra time, with the hosts suffering a crushing defeat without Brennan Johnson and Nico Williams.
Bosnia have now set up a match against Italy, who have just edged out their fellow homeland Northern Ireland in Bergamo. Newcastle star Sandro Tonali scored with a ferocious drive and Moise Kean also scored in the second period to end Northern Ireland’s World Cup dreams.
Increased Premier League talent was also key for Sweden, with Viktor Gökeres scoring a stunning hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Ukraine. The Scandinavian nation will now face Poland. Albania led 1-0 against Poland, but Robert Lewandowski equalized and Piotr Zielinski converted the score.
Finally, Türkiye will face Kosovo in the final playoff final. Ferdi Kaduoglu was the most important figure for Türkiye, scoring the goal that defeated Romania.
Meanwhile, Slovakia and Kosovo played out a thrilling match, with the latter making an eye-catching comeback in Bratislava to turn from a 2-1 deficit to win 4-3.
Wales’ World Cup dreams ended in brutal fashion (Image: Getty Images)
Full playoff results:
Türkiye 1-0 Romania
Czech Republic 2-2 (Penns 4-3) Republic of Ireland
Denmark 4-0 North Macedonia
Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
Poland 2-1 Albania
Slovakia 3-4 Kosovo
Ukraine 1-3 Sweden
Wales 1-1 (2-4 pence) Bosnia and Herzegovina
Full playoff draw:
Wales vs Italy
Sweden vs Poland
Kosovo vs Türkiye
Republic of Ireland vs Denmark
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England’s 2026 World Cup kit
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