The draw for getting into the 2026 World Cup has just happened, and my head is spinning. For Wales and Northern Ireland, the path got a bit clearer but is full of danger still. A final between us is a possibility we are thinking about, but first we each must win a very difficult semi-final game.
We in Northern Ireland must travel to play Italy, which feels like a huge task. Over in Cardiff, my team Wales will be facing Bosnia and Herzegovina. If we both win, a final between us happens to decide who goes to the big tournament. Everyone is talking about this, from us players to all the fans.
Our place in these play-offs was got from finishing third behind Germany. It was our performance in the Nations League that really helped us get this chance. Being unseeded meant a hard draw was always coming, and getting Italy is as tough as it gets. They are a great team desperate to not miss another World Cup. Our manager says it’s a tough draw but we will have a plan.
We finished second in our group behind Belgium, which felt good especially with a big win at the end. Playing at home in Cardiff is a good advantage for us. I remember we played Bosnia before, a long time ago, which was an important game for us. Our captain says we must be ready for a real battle, which is true.
Bosnia drew their last game to get here, so they will be confident too. They beat us once before, so they know they can do it again.
Looking at history gives us in Northern Ireland a little hope. We got a draw against Italy not long ago, which stopped them from qualifying last time. Maybe we can find that same strong spirit again.
The Republic of Ireland is in a different path after some exciting games. They will play Czechia, and the winner gets Denmark or North Macedonia. There are other big games too, like Ukraine versus Sweden and Poland against Albania.
They also did the draw for teams from other continents, which adds more to think about. All these important games happen next March. The dream feels so close, yet there is so much hard work left to do.
Seeing our name next to Italy’s was a moment that really takes your breath away. The dream of a final with Wales is there for us, but my goodness what a mountain we must climb first. We will travel there with a plan and with hope in our hearts.
We in Wales are just focusing on the game in front of us here in Cardiff. Bosnia is a team with good players and they will not be easy for us to break down. Their victory over us years ago is a thing they will remember fondly. We must ensure this time has a different ending for them.
The Republic of Ireland’s own path is a fascinating one after such a dramatic finish to their group. To go to Prague and face Czechia is a serious challenge for any team. Then either Denmark or North Macedonia waits, each presenting a very different kind of puzzle to solve. Their manager must already be thinking about both possibilities.
Our group of fans have been absolutely incredible throughout this entire campaign. The way they travel and support us is a thing that gives the whole team a real lift. Having that energy behind us in a packed stadium is like having an extra player out on the pitch. It truly does make a difference for us.
Some of the other playoff games are just as intriguing as our own if you look at them. Ukraine against Sweden is a match between two teams of real quality who are both desperate to be there. Poland versus Albania is another one where predicting the outcome feels nearly impossible for anyone.
The draw for teams from other confederations adds another layer to the whole world cup picture. Seeing who might qualify from those spots is something we all notice. It makes the tournament feel truly global, and getting there is the only thing that matters for us right now.
Northern Ireland’s past result against Italy, that 0-0 draw, is a proof we can be difficult for them. It’s a small memory we can hold onto. Repeating that kind of stubborn performance is what we’ll need to do, and maybe even get a goal from somewhere.
All of these decisive games are scheduled for March, which feels both a long time away and just around the corner. The training we do from now until then will be with this single goal in mind. The chance to play in a World Cup is the biggest dream a footballer can have. We intend to fight for it with everything we have.
