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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jamie Braidwood

When is the World Cup 2026 play-offs draw and which pot are Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland in?

The World Cup qualifiers are almost complete but for several countries an anxious wait remains before the full line-up for next summer’s tournament is confirmed.

There will be 16 European teams who advance to March’s play-offs, which will take place after the World Cup group-stage draw is conducted on 5 December. There are then just four more spots in the tournament.

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