The inter-confederation draw has plotted Jamaica against New Caledonia and Bolivia against Suriname — with DR Congo and Iraq waiting in the two finals. Northern Ireland and Wales have been drawn in the same path as Italy, while Republic of Ireland will face Czech Republic before a potential home final against Denmark.

Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland learn on Thursday who they will play in March's World Cup playoffs. Here's how the draw works and who they could each face.

Italy will first host Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifying playoff in March but then would go on the road to reach its first tournament after back-to-back failures at this stage.

There are 22 nations competing for the six remaining World Cup spots via the play-offs, which will take place across the final week of March

Two teams trying to do the unthinkable meet up on Sunday, as Hungary and the Republic of Ireland play for a potential spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ireland has kept its World Cup hopes alive with a stunning comeback win against Hungary. Troy Parrott, the unheralded Ireland striker who sent Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to a 2-0 loss on Thursday, did even better Sunday with a hat trick.

Coming off their first winless tour of Europe since 1958 and losers of 10 of their 15 matches this year, things won't get any easier for the Wallabies to start the 2026 season. Rugby Australia said Wednesday that the Wallabies would open their 14-test 2026 season with matches against Six Nations heavyweight and fourth-ranked Ireland,

India play their first group match against USA in Mumbai on February 7, the opening day of the T20 World Cup. They then take on Namibia in Delhi on February 12, followed by Pakistan, and their final group game is against the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18. There will be three matches a day during the group stage of the tournament.