World Cup qualifying draw

World Cup 2026 Draw: Ireland's Journey to Glory Begins!

Catch all the excitement from Zurich as Republic of Ireland embarks on their World Cup quest for 2026!

The atmosphere in Zurich was electric as the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw unfolded, marking an important milestone for nations eager to secure their spots in the upcoming tournament. The Republic of Ireland, now officially placed in Pot 3, will be eyeing every opportunity as they prepare to face off against formidable opponents. With qualifying groups being announced, fans are buzzing with excitement about the potential clashes that lie ahead.

As the curtain was lifted on the draw, England was drawn into Group K where they will tussle with Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra. New boss Thomas Tuchel’s first tests will surely have the Three Lions fans on edge. Meanwhile, Scotland finds themselves in a challenging Group C with Portugal or Denmark, Greece, and Belarus. Wales faces an intense rivalry with Belgium, aiming to break their losing streak against the Red Devils. Each team now gears up to set their sights on 2026 glory!

Republic of Ireland's qualifying journey will see them open at home against Hungary, and they also have Portugal/Denmark and Armenia in their sights. Heimir Hallgrimsson, the Irish coach, expressed a mix of optimism and realism regarding their group's competitiveness, dialing in on the spirit of the squad and the passionate support of fans. Each game will undoubtedly be a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to qualifying—as they make their case for a spot in North America!

The excitement doesn’t end with the draw! The entire UEFA campaign will run from March to November 2025 and will see 54 teams battling it out for those coveted World Cup spots. For all home nations, the key to success lies in their ability to harness momentum and stride towards qualification with determination.

In trivia fun, did you know that the World Cup in 2026 will be hosted across three countries, which is a unique feat in itself? Plus, the competition will be the first to feature an expanded format, allowing 48 teams to participate instead of the typical 32. This presents a grand opportunity for teams like Ireland to make greater strides on the world stage!