World Cup 2026 – How Ireland can qualify

We take a look at the potential road to Canada/Mexico/USA ahead of the Republic's fast approaching qualifying campaign

With formats constantly changing across international and club competitions, it can be difficult to weigh up your team’s chances these days. The quest for qualification kicks off for the boys in green in Dublin this September. With that in mind, you might be wondering how Ireland can qualify for World Cup 2026. Here’s all you need to know.

How many teams can qualify for World Cup 2026?

There’s some good news for Ireland as the number of qualifying slots has expanded from 32 to 48, with 16 of those coming from Europe. Irish fans who were around in 1994 will have fond memories of the last time a World Cup was held in the States. Younger fans will be desperate to see their country compete for the first time.

Who is in Ireland’s qualifying group?

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men have been dealt a difficult hand this time around. The standout fixture is undoubtedly the star-studded UEFA Nations League winners, Portugal. Tricky ties against Hungary and Armenia also await.

When are Ireland playing in the World Cup qualifiers?

6 September 2025 – Ireland v Hungary – Aviva Stadium
9 September 2025 – Armenia v Ireland – Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium
11 October 2025 – Portugal v Ireland – Estádio José Alvalade
14 October 2025 – Ireland v Armenia – Aviva Stadium
13 November 2025 – Ireland v Portugal – Aviva Stadium
16 November 2025 – Hungary v Ireland – TBC

What do Ireland need to do to qualify?

The 12 UEFA group winners will qualify automatically. The 12 second-placed teams will try their luck in the play-offs along with the four best group winners from the UEFA Nations League that fail to finish in the top two.

Heimir Hallgrimsson reacts to Ireland's World Cup draw

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How do the play-offs work?

The sides will be divided into two brackets, seeded and unseeded. The seeded teams will be the six highest-ranked countries (UEFA rankings) that finished as runners-up in their group. The other second-placed teams, plus the two teams that qualify through the Nations League, will enter as the unseeded teams.

The play-offs are split into three separate paths. Paths A, B, and C. Four teams will be in each path, two seeded teams and two unseeded teams. The seeded teams will have the luxury of home advantage in the semi-finals. The higher-ranked team will then host the final.