Wales Secure Home Advantage in High-Stakes World Cup Play-Off
Wales are set for a monumental home clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the semi-finals of the World Cup qualifying play-offs, a match that could edge them closer to the 2026 finals in North America. Under the leadership of manager Craig Bellamy, the Welsh side earned this crucial one-off home fixture after finishing second in their qualifying group, narrowly behind the formidable Belgium in Group J.
The Play-Off Path to Glory
The high-stakes semi-final is scheduled for March 26, with the final following just days later on March 31. Should Wales triumph against Bosnia and Herzegovina, they will face the winners of the other semi-final between European giants Italy and a determined Northern Ireland side. This presents a potential dream final for Welsh fans, with the significant boost that a semi-final victory would see them host the decisive play-off final on home soil.
The draw has certainly favoured the home nations in terms of potential finals, with the Republic of Ireland also in line to host their final if they can overcome a tough away semi-final against the Czech Republic. The winner of that match will play either Denmark or North Macedonia for a place at the tournament.
A Test of Nerve for European Giants
The pressure is immense for all teams involved, but none more so than Italy. The Azzurri, having failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, face a difficult task against a Northern Ireland team that qualified via the Nations League. For Wales, the match represents a golden opportunity to build on their recent international successes and secure a coveted spot on the world's biggest stage.
Elsewhere in the European draw, four more qualifiers will emerge from the other paths. Path B features Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, and Albania, while Path C will see Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo battle it out. The inter-confederation play-offs were also decided, setting up ties between Jamaica and New Caledonia, with the winner facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and a clash between Bolivia and Suriname for the right to play Iraq.
