Sky Sports previews Thursday’s 2026 World Cup play-off semi-finals: Wales host Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland travel to four-time winners Italy, and the Republic of Ireland visit the Czech Republic in Prague.
Wilson adds stardust to Wales spine
Thursday 7.45pm: Wales vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (winner will face Italy or Northern Ireland)
Harry Wilson is not a replacement for Gareth Bale, but he is delivering on the attacking spark Wales have missed. His club form for Fulham has been impressive this season with 10 goals and six assists, and his recent international return has been even sharper — five goals and two assists in his last five games.
If Wilson controls the game he can lift team-mates and the Principality Stadium crowd, making Wales hard to contain at home. Craig Bellamy has sought to instil an identity of front-foot, intense football since taking charge. Wales have grown in their ability to press, regain possession quickly and keep the ball, but consistency in performance and selection remains crucial.
Bellamy has built a dependable spine: goalkeeper Karl Darlow, centre-back Joe Rodon, the versatile Ethan Ampadu and in-form Wilson. That core gives Wales a platform, but Bellamy insists the focus is solely on Bosnia; he will not entertain thoughts of potential finals opponents until this tie is resolved.
Geraint Hughes
Which World Cup group would Wales be in?
If Wales qualify for the World Cup they would be in Group B with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
Northern Ireland aim for seismic shock in Bergamo
Thursday 7.45pm: Italy vs Northern Ireland (winner will face Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina)
This is a classic David versus Goliath fixture. Northern Ireland have thrived in underdog roles before and will approach Bergamo with the freedom that lower expectations bring: a loss would not be a disaster, a win would be historic.
They will be without Conor Bradley and Daniel Ballard — losses that affect both attacking drive and defensive presence. Ballard’s aerial threat from set-pieces and Bradley’s dynamism on the flank are significant absences. Even so, hope persists; Italy are favourites but are not the dominant force they once were.
Northern Ireland will likely aim to frustrate the Azzurri, make the match scrappy, and look to pounce on set-pieces or moments of indecision. The tie is a high-stakes opportunity for the visitors to create instant folklore.
Michael Morrow
Which World Cup group would Northern Ireland be in?
If Northern Ireland qualified for the World Cup they would be in Group B with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
Republic of Ireland looking to take advantage of Czech upheaval
Thursday 7.45pm: Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland (winner will face Denmark or North Macedonia)
This is a huge occasion for many Republic of Ireland players as they try to move another step closer to a World Cup place. Ireland still ride the momentum of memorable wins over Portugal and Hungary last November, and Troy Parrott’s form from those games — five goals across the two fixtures, including a 96th-minute winner — is a particular worry for the hosts.
Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has emphasised the need for the squad to be mentally and visually prepared. Selection poses questions: whether to reintroduce experienced campaigners such as Seamus Coleman, Robbie Brady and Chiedozie Ogbene, who have had limited minutes this season but bring crucial major-tournament experience. Coleman and Brady, in particular, were part of Ireland’s 2016 squad.
The Czech Republic enter the match in transition. They have a new head coach for Thursday’s game and domestic controversy after Tomas Soucek was stripped of the armband following the November internationals, with Ladislav Krejci named captain. That sense of upheaval may add pressure to the home side and could work in Ireland’s favour as they bid to reach their first World Cup since 2002.
Danyal Khan
Which World Cup group would Republic of Ireland be in?
If the Republic of Ireland qualified for the World Cup they would be 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