How Can Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland Secure a Spot in the World Cup?

Three home nations are still competing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

have already secured their place in the tournament with a perfect qualifying record, as Thomas Tuchel's team won all eight matches without conceding a single goal.

Scotland must defeat Denmark to secure their place in the World Cup. Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Wales can secure second place in their group by defeating North Macedonia. Credit: Getty

, and all three nations still have a chance to qualify. Here are the scenarios.

What do Scotland need to qualify for the World Cup?

Scotland will play at home on Tuesday, November 18, in what is effectively a play-off for an automatic World Cup spot.

This is the final qualifying match in Group C, and Denmark is just one point ahead of the Scots.

A victory will send Steve Clarke's team to North America next summer.

Anything less will lead to two tense play-off matches for qualification.

What do Wales need to qualify for the World Cup?

Wales will face North Macedonia on Tuesday, November 18, for a chance to enter the play-off round.

Belgium has not yet mathematically secured the group victory but only needs to avoid defeat against Liechtenstein, who have not scored in their last seven matches, to finish at the top.

Due to their poorer goal difference compared to North Macedonia, Craig Bellamy's side knows they must win to finish second in Group J and advance to the play-offs.

However, all hope is not lost for Wales if they fail to win.

A draw or loss against North Macedonia would see Wales finish third in the group,

but they would still qualify for the play-offs due to winning their group.

It is crucial for them to defeat North Macedonia, as failing to do so means they enter the play-offs unseeded and would face a seeded team in the one-legged semi-final away from home.

What do Northern Ireland need to qualify for the World Cup?

finished Group A in third place, but after winning their Nations League group, they still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup.

They will need to navigate a challenging path through the play-off rounds.

Entering the match in March unseeded means their one-legged semi-final could be away against a strong side like or Turkey.

Northern Ireland has not qualified for a World Cup since 1986.

How do the World Cup play-off matches work?

Four teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup through the European play-off round.

A total of 16 teams will compete in one-legged semi-finals followed by four one-legged finals.

The top-seeded teams will host their semi-final matches, while the final will be determined by a random draw for home advantage.

Four Nations League qualifiers and the lowest-ranked teams will enter unseeded.

As of November 17, teams guaranteed to participate in the play-offs include Italy, Turkey, Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ireland, Albania, Sweden, Romania, and Northern Ireland.

The play-off matches are scheduled for March 26 and March 31.

The draw for the play-offs is set for Thursday, November 20.