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FourFourTwo
FourFourTwo
Sport
Ewan Gennery

Could Northern Ireland play Republic of Ireland in a World Cup 2026 Playoff Final?

Hungary , Hungary - 16 November 2025; Troy Parrott, left, and Seamus Coleman of Republic of Ireland celebrate after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F Qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images).

Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have a chance to qualify for the World Cup via the play-offs.

Northern Ireland have earned a place after their Nations League performance which saw them win their group, and Troy Parrott's heroics in Hungary means the Republic or Ireland finished second in their World Cup qualifying group.

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