Europe’s 2026 World Cup play-off field set after dramatic final night

November 19, 2025 Oliver Obel

As BBC Sport and Football Rankings report, the play-offs bring together 12 runners-up from the group stage along with four Nations League group winners who did not finish in the top two.

This safety net—introduced to reward Nations League performance—proved crucial for several teams.

The Republic of Ireland were already assured of a place before the final round and wrapped up second in their group with a tight 3–2 win over Hungary. Northern Ireland, despite finishing third, qualified thanks to topping their Nations League group earlier in the cycle.

Wales surge, Scotland scrape through

Wales rounded off their campaign with a statement 7–1 victory over North Macedonia, locking in second place. Their Nations League ranking meant they would have reached the play-offs regardless, but the margin of the win provided a timely lift.

Scotland, meanwhile, avoided the play-offs entirely. They needed a win over Denmark to qualify automatically — and delivered it in dramatic fashion.

Twice Scotland went in front through Scott McTominay and Lawrence Shankland. Twice the Danes, down to ten men, fought back. Only deep into stoppage time did Scotland finally break through, as Kieran Tierney’s deflected strike put them ahead. Moments later, Kenny McLean added a long-range fourth to seal qualification.

BBC Sport Scotland shared the celebrations on X, calling it a finish typical of Scotland’s unpredictable route to major tournaments.

Seedings and structure confirmed

Soon after Tuesday’s games, Football Rankings released the official seedings. The play-offs are split between seeded and unseeded sides, with each bracket containing two semi-finals and a final. Hosts for the semi-finals are determined by pot placement.

Seeded teams

Pot 1

Italy
Denmark
Türkiye
Ukraine

Pot 2

Poland
Wales
Czechia
Slovakia

Unseeded teams

Pot 3

Republic of Ireland
Albania
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Kosovo

Pot 4 (Nations League qualifiers)

Sweden
Romania
North Macedonia
Northern Ireland

Pot 1 teams will host Pot 4 opponents, while Pot 2 sides will face teams from Pot 3.

This format means Wales could be drawn against the Republic of Ireland in what would be one of the marquee semi-final matchups.

Looking ahead

UEFA will conduct the draw on Thursday, November 20, in Nyon. The semi-finals follow on March 26, with the bracket finals scheduled for March 31.
The four play-off winners will join the full field for the 2026 World Cup, whose main draw takes place on December 5 in Washington, D.C.

Sources: BBC Sport, Football Rankings