Which Teams Will Secure the Four World Cup Spots in 2026?

The upcoming years are crucial for both Northern Ireland's and the Republic of Ireland's men's and women's football teams as they aim to qualify for the 2026 and 2027 World Cups. The men's teams are currently preparing for their play-off matches, while the women's teams are gearing up for their qualifying campaigns. The focus on international football will intensify across the island of Ireland, as both teams navigate their respective paths towards these prestigious tournaments.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

With the qualification processes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil just around the corner, both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are facing critical challenges. On 26 March 2024, Northern Ireland will face Italy in a semi-final play-off match, while the Republic of Ireland will take on the Czech Republic on the same day. The outcomes of these matches will determine whether these teams can reach the World stage, making this period particularly vital for players and coaching staff alike.

Key takeaways

Northern Ireland's men's team prepares for a World Cup play-off against Italy.
The Republic of Ireland's men's team has shown resilience after a rocky start to qualify for the play-offs.
The women's teams are both entering new qualifying campaigns, with Northern Ireland looking for a new manager.

Timeline: how we got here

The road to the 2026 World Cup play-offs has been a challenging journey for both teams:

March 2024: Northern Ireland plays Italy in the World Cup semi-final play-off.
March 2024: Republic of Ireland faces Czech Republic in their World Cup play-off.
November 2023: Northern Ireland's men's team secures a play-off spot through their Nations League success.
November 2023: Republic of Ireland's men's team recovers from a poor start to qualify for play-offs.
2023: Northern Ireland's women's team begins a transition period after Tanya Oxtoby's departure.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are finalising their preparations for crucial World Cup play-offs. Northern Ireland's squad appears to be solidifying under Michael O'Neill, while the Republic's surprising turnaround has rejuvenated their hopes under Heimir Hallgrimsson. The women's teams are actively seeking new leadership, particularly Northern Ireland, which is undergoing a managerial change.

What was already established

Historically, both nations have faced challenges in qualifying for major tournaments. Northern Ireland's last World Cup appearance was in 1986, while the Republic of Ireland made their last World Cup showing in 2002. The women’s teams are also facing hurdles, with Northern Ireland looking to build on the previous manager's work while the Republic of Ireland aims to secure a second consecutive World Cup appearance.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The outcomes of these World Cup play-offs can have significant cultural and emotional impacts across the UK, particularly in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Successful qualification can boost national pride and support for local clubs, potentially leading to increased viewership and engagement in football-related activities.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses may see a spike in activity during the World Cup, with increased sales in merchandise, hospitality, and tourism sectors as fans rally behind their teams. Companies may also leverage the global attention on the tournaments to promote their brand and connect with consumers.

Policy and regulation

Football associations and governing bodies in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will be keenly watching the qualification processes, as successful teams could lead to greater investment in grassroots football. Policy discussions around funding and support for women's football, in particular, may gain momentum during this period.

Numbers that matter

1986: The last time Northern Ireland's men's team participated in a World Cup.
21: Goals scored by Troy Parrott during the Republic's qualification campaign.
5: The number of goals Troy Parrott scored in just four days to turn around the Republic's fortunes.
2: The plays that Northern Ireland's women's team must navigate to qualify for the World Cup.
4: Matches scheduled for both teams in their upcoming play-off fixtures.

Definitions and jargon buster

IFA: Irish Football Association, governing body for football in Northern Ireland.
FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body for football.
Nations League: A biennial football competition involving national teams from Europe.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, both teams will focus on their training camps and squad selection for the crucial play-off matches. Player fitness and tactical adjustments will be key considerations as they prepare for their opponents.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the play-offs, the focus will shift to ongoing developments in the women's teams and managers’ contracts, as well as preparations for the next qualifying rounds. Stakeholders will also assess the outcomes of the play-offs to evaluate the direction of both national teams.

Signals to watch

Results of the play-off matches on 26 March 2024.
Performance of key players in club football leading up to the World Cup.
Appointment of new managerial staff for Northern Ireland's women's team.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated with team news and player performances as the World Cup approaches.
Engage with local businesses that support football initiatives and merchandise.
Follow the teams on social media for the latest updates and announcements.

Don’t

Overlook the importance of grassroots support for the development of football.
Assume that past performances will dictate future results.
Neglect the potential impact of player injuries on team success.

Checklist

Monitor key player fitness and availability for the play-offs.
Research the tactical approaches of the opposing teams.
Engage with local football communities to foster support.
Stay informed about managerial changes and their implications.
Plan viewing parties or events to celebrate the teams’ journeys.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Qualification for the World Cup is inherently uncertain, with many variables at play, including player form, injuries, and tactical decisions. Both teams face formidable opponents in their play-off matches, and the outcome is uncertain. Additionally, the managerial situation for Northern Ireland’s women's team adds another layer of unpredictability as they seek a new leader to guide them through the qualification campaign.

Bottom line

The coming months will be pivotal for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as they aim to secure spots in the 2026 and 2027 World Cups. With play-offs on the horizon, the focus will be on player development, managerial decisions, and the potential for a new era in Irish football. Success or failure will shape the trajectory of both teams for years to come.

FAQs

What is the significance of the World Cup for Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland?

The World Cup represents a prestigious opportunity for both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to showcase their footballing talent on an international stage, potentially uniting fans and boosting national pride.

When are the play-off matches for the World Cup?

The play-off matches for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are scheduled for 26 March 2024.

What challenges do the women’s teams face in their qualifying campaigns?

The women's teams, particularly Northern Ireland, face challenges related to managerial changes and the need to develop a competitive squad capable of performing under pressure in their respective qualifying campaigns.