Northern Ireland's potential World Cup play-off opponents revealed
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 7:54 AM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Northern Ireland will soon learn its semi-final opponents for the 2027 Women's World Cup play-offs, as the draw is scheduled for Thursday. The team finished third in Group B2, securing a play-off spot by winning two matches against Malta. Unseeded for the play-offs, Northern Ireland could face several challenging teams including Portugal, Switzerland, Scotland, or Wales. Slovenia, Poland, Serbia, and Ukraine are also among the potential opponents, each looking to secure their first World Cup qualification. The team's previous underdog success at Euro 2022 provides a glimmer of hope as they prepare for the upcoming matches.
- •Northern Ireland finished third in Group B2.
- •The draw for semi-final play-off opponents occurs on Thursday.
- •Potential opponents include Slovenia, Poland, Serbia, and Ukraine.
- •The team is unseeded and faces a challenging path.
- •Previous underdog success could inspire the team.
- 7:54 AMYahoo Sports — Who could Republic of Ireland face in World Cup play-offs?
- 7:24 AMBBC Sport — Who could NI face in World Cup play-offs?
"BBC Sport NI looks at Northern Ireland potential World Cup play-off semi-final opponents ahead of Thursday's draw.
"BBC Sport NI looks at who Republic of Ireland could face in their Women's World Cup play-off semi-final.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 7:54 AMWho could Republic of Ireland face in World Cup play-offs?
BBC Sport NI looks at who Republic of Ireland could face in their Women's World Cup play-off semi-final.
- BBC SportJun 17, 2026, 7:24 AMWho could NI face in World Cup play-offs?
BBC Sport NI looks at Northern Ireland potential World Cup play-off semi-final opponents ahead of Thursday's draw.
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