Thursday brings three major World Cup play off semi finals involving Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with all three teams trying to move one match closer to the 2026 tournament.
The stakes are high for each side. Wales host Bosnia and Herzegovina, Northern Ireland travel to Italy, and the Republic of Ireland head to Prague to face the Czech Republic. Victory would put each team into next week’s play off final.
Wales look to home advantage and a strong core
Wales appear to have a clear identity under Craig Bellamy and will try to impose that again at home. The team has grown in intensity, energy and control, with a style built around winning the ball back quickly and playing on the front foot.
A big part of the belief around Wales comes from the spine of the team. Karl Darlow has settled in goal, Joe Rodon remains a key figure in defence, and Ethan Ampadu gives balance between the back line and midfield. Added to that is Harry Wilson, who arrives in strong form after producing goals and assists for both club and country.
Bosnia and Herzegovina represent a dangerous obstacle, and Bellamy is clearly focused only on that challenge. But if Wales can combine discipline with their attacking rhythm, they will feel they have a strong chance of taking another step forward.
Northern Ireland hope to spring a major surprise in Italy
Northern Ireland go into their trip to Bergamo as underdogs, but that role often suits them. Against a nation with Italy’s history, the pressure sits far more heavily on the home side.
Michael O’Neill’s team do have important absences, with Conor Bradley and Daniel Ballard both unavailable. Their absence hurts both defensively and going forward, especially because Ballard offers aerial threat and Bradley brings drive and quality on the ball.
Even so, there is still room for belief. Italy remain favourites, but they do not carry the same aura as some of their strongest past teams. Northern Ireland will likely try to frustrate the game, keep things tight and see whether nerves start to affect the hosts. If that happens, a result that feels unlikely on paper could suddenly become possible.
Republic of Ireland aim to exploit uncertainty in Prague
The Republic of Ireland head into their meeting with the Czech Republic carrying confidence from strong recent results. Back to back wins over Portugal and Hungary in November have given the squad belief, and striker Troy Parrott has become one of the main reasons for that optimism after his excellent scoring run.
Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson appears calm ahead of the test, though his selection choices remain important. He must decide whether to lean on the experience of players such as Seamus Coleman and Robbie Brady, who have not played much this season but still bring important leadership.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, are dealing with change. A new head coach is set for his first match, and the decision to remove Tomas Soucek as captain created noise around the squad. That situation could increase the pressure on the hosts, and Ireland will hope to use that tension to their advantage.
Each path now comes down to one more step
The winners of Thursday’s matches will not qualify immediately, but they will move into next week’s finals, where the World Cup places will be decided.
For Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, these semi finals are about more than just staying alive. They are a chance to turn belief into momentum and place themselves one result away from reaching the biggest stage.
