Republic of Ireland could meet Hungary, Greece, Romania or Croatia

Republic of Ireland, under manager Carla Ward, could draw Hungary, Greece, Romania or Croatia in the two‑legged World Cup play‑off semi‑final scheduled for October. The Irish side finished third in Group A2, were seeded for both semi‑final and final and hope to avoid an inter‑confederation play‑off after a strong Nations League campaign.

Hungary are the highest‑ranked League C team Ireland could meet, having topped Group C3 with five wins and one draw to earn promotion to League B. Former striker Alexandra Szarvas manages Hungary, and the sides previously faced in a behind‑closed‑doors friendly in Spain in November, where Ireland won 3‑2.

Greece, ranked 59th, won all four matches in three‑team Group C4, conceding only four goals to secure promotion to League B. In the 2023 Nations League, Ireland beat Greece 4‑0 away and 2‑1 at Tallaght Stadium, suggesting a favourable record should the sides meet again.

Romania, ranked 53rd, topped Group C5 with three wins and a draw, scoring eight goals while keeping a clean sheet throughout the campaign. Although Ireland have not faced Romania recently, Northern Ireland’s 1‑0 home win and 1‑1 away draw against them underline Romania’s defensive solidity.

Belarus, ranked 52nd, finished top of Group C6 with three victories and one loss, the sole defeat coming against Kazakhstan in April. Belarus’ home fixtures are played at neutral venues in Gori, Georgia, after political sanctions forced them to relocate.

Kosovo, ranked 85th, claimed Group C2 by winning five of six games, including two large wins over Gibraltar, and edged Croatia on goal difference. Lithuania, the lowest‑ranked possible opponent at 94th, topped Group C1 with three wins, two draws and one loss, earning promotion to League B for the first time.