The devastating symmetry of how Wales and Ireland missed out on 2026 World Cup - Both Wales and the Republic of Ireland were minutes from hosting a World Cup play-off final on Tuesday – only for near-

Follow the ESPN live blog as Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland attempt to move one step closer to joining England and Scotland at the World Cup.

WALES, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland all had their World Cup dreams shattered last night. The trio were involved in play-off semi-finals as they looked to book their ticket to the

Wales and Ireland fans went from feeling hope to heartache as both teams' World Cups hopes ended in disappointment.

In 2024, it was a shoot-out defeat by Poland that cost Wales a place at the European Championship. This time, the target was different, with Wales dreaming of another World Cup adventure, but the outcome was the same,

Italy will face Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place at the 2026 World Cup after beating Northern Ireland 2-0 on Thursday, as Wales and the Republic of Ireland suffered agonising penalty shootout defeats in their qualifying play-off semi-finals.

Eight World Cup play-off games are taking place on Thursday evening with both Wales and Northern Ireland in action from the United Kingdom. Republic of Ireland also take on Czech Republic as they look to qualify.

After restricting Ireland to a hard-fought, 10-point win in the Six Nations in Dublin, Wales captain Dewi Lake is feeling upbeat.

While Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland missed out on automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, they still have a final chance to get there via the European playoffs.

Ireland led 2-0 through Troy Parrott's penalty and a Czechia own goal before Patrick Schick pulled a goal back. Moise Kean works half a yard in a promising position, but he can't keep his effort down and shoots over the crossbar.