Sky Sports previews Thursday’s 2026 World Cup play-off semi-finals, where Wales host Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland travel to Italy in Bergamo, and the Republic of Ireland visit the Czech Republic in Prague. All three ties kick off at 7.45pm.
Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina (Thursday 7.45pm)
Harry Wilson has become the creative spark Wales have missed since Gareth Bale. His club season at Fulham (10 goals, six assists) and a sharp international run (five goals, two assists in his last five games) mean he can lift team-mates and the Principality Stadium atmosphere if he controls proceedings. Craig Bellamy has pushed a front-foot, intense identity—pressing higher, regaining possession quickly and keeping the ball—while trying to find consistent selection.
Bellamy has established a dependable spine: goalkeeper Karl Darlow, centre-back Joe Rodon, versatile Ethan Ampadu and in-form Wilson. That core gives Wales a platform, but the manager insists all focus is on Bosnia-Herzegovina rather than possible later opponents.
If Wales reach the finals they would be drawn in Group B with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
Italy v Northern Ireland (Thursday 7.45pm)
This is a classic David-versus-Goliath tie in Bergamo. Northern Ireland arrive as underdogs with little to lose: defeat is expected by many, victory would be historic. They will be without Conor Bradley and Daniel Ballard, notable losses that reduce flank dynamism and aerial presence from set-pieces.
Northern Ireland’s best route is to frustrate Italy, make the game physical and scrappy, and hunt set-piece or counter chances. Italy remain favourites but are not as dominant as in past tournaments, so a disciplined, compact Northern Ireland could create an upset and instant folklore.
If Northern Ireland qualified they would join Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland (Thursday 7.45pm)
This is a major occasion for Republic of Ireland players aiming to edge closer to a World Cup spot. Ireland carry momentum from November wins over Portugal and Hungary; Troy Parrott’s recent form — notably five goals across those fixtures, including a 96th-minute winner — poses a clear threat to the hosts.
Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has stressed the need for the squad to be mentally and visually prepared. Selection choices include whether to reintegrate experienced campaigners such as Seamus Coleman, Robbie Brady and Chiedozie Ogbene, who have limited minutes this season but bring tournament know-how.
The Czech Republic face their own disruption: a new head coach for the tie, and domestic controversy after Tomas Soucek was stripped of the captaincy and Ladislav Krejci named captain. That upheaval could add pressure at home and swing the tie in Ireland’s favour as they target their first World Cup since 2002.
A qualified Republic of Ireland side would be placed in Group A with co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.
Play-off semi-finals and paths
Play-off Path A:
Semi-final: Italy vs Northern Ireland
Semi-final: Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Final: Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy/Northern Ireland — Tuesday, 7.45pm kick-off
Play-off Path B:
Semi-final: Ukraine vs Sweden
Semi-final: Poland vs Albania
Final: Ukraine/Sweden vs Poland/Albania
Play-off Path C:
Semi-final: Turkey vs Romania
Semi-final: Slovakia vs Kosovo
Final: Slovakia/Kosovo vs Turkey/Romania
Play-off Path D:
Semi-final: Denmark vs North Macedonia
Semi-final: Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland
Final: Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland vs Denmark/North Macedonia — Tuesday, 7.45pm kick-off