The Daily Star Ireland
The Republic of Ireland has been placed in Group F for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers alongside Hungary, Armenia, and the winners of the upcoming Nations League quarter-final between Portugal and Denmark. The draw, held in Zurich this morning, confirmed that Ireland will face the winner of the Portugal-Denmark match, which will determine their top-seeded opponent.
Ireland, who were placed in Pot 3, will also play against Hungary, who are aiming for their first World Cup appearance since 1986. Hungary has qualified for the last three European Championships but was eliminated in the group stage this past summer. Armenia, ranked fourth in the group, will also meet Ireland. The two teams previously faced each other during the successful Euro 2012 qualification campaign.
This will be Ireland’s first four-team qualifying group since Euro 92, with matches scheduled for September, October, and November. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland will face Germany or Italy, along with Slovakia and Luxembourg, as they seek their first World Cup qualification since 1986.
In other qualification news, England, under manager Thomas Tuchel, will face Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra. Scotland’s group includes the loser of the Portugal-Denmark quarter-final, alongside Greece and Belarus, while Wales is drawn in a group with Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein as they aim for their second consecutive World Cup appearance.
