World Cup: How to watch Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales in play-off action this week, TV channel and kick-off time
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Credit: Imago Wed 25 March 2026 14:00, UK World Cup qualifiers will take place on Thursday, with the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales all vying for a place in this summer’s tournament.Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Ireland are set to travel to Czechia for a chance of making it through to next Tuesday’s final. Northern Ireland will also be away, with a huge clash awaiting in Bergamo against four-time World Cup winners Italy.Wales will play host in Cardiff, as they take on Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place in the play-off final.Should Craig Bellamy’s side and Northern Ireland progress, the two will meet in the final next Tuesday with a spot in World Cup group B on the line.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES World Cup play-off kick-off timesThis summer’s World Cup has been plunged into controversy in recent months, amid fears surrounding the political climate in the United States. The proposed involvement of ICE immigration agents surrounding stadiums around the country has drawn huge backlash, with many fans electing to pass up the trip.2026 World Cup hostGames played in countryUnited States78Canada13Mexico13An already divisive World Cup host has been worsened by the United States and Israel’s decision to launch strikes on Iran at the end of February.Iran, who qualified for the World Cup last year and are set to feature alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G, had a request to move their matches to Mexico turned down by FIFA last week.As it stands, Amir Ghalenoei’s team are unlikely to travel to the United States in the summer, with the surrounding countries in the middle east also majorly affected.With the war showing no signs of stopping, the controversy surrounding both the United States and FIFA is expected to rage on until the tournament gets underway.🚨 FIFA rejects Iran’s request to play World Cup matches in Mexico 🇮🇷❌🇲🇽FIFA has denied Iran’s request to play its 2026 World Cup matches in Mexico, making it clear that there are no plans to change the official schedule. 🏆🗣️ “FIFA is in regular contact with all… pic.twitter.com/4vzZXHa66u— NextMex (@NextMexOficial) March 17, 2026 View Tweet Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales will all kick off at 19:45 GMT on Thursday, as they look to book their places.How to watch World Cup play-offsIreland’s trip to Czechia will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video on a pay-per-view basis, with a £2.49 fee required.Northern Ireland’s trip to Italy will be free to watch, available on BBC iPlayer, BBC One Northern Ireland, and BBC Three, depending on where you are watching from.It is a similar case for Wales, who will be on BBC iPlayer, BBC One Wales and BBC Two as they take on Bosnia and Herzegovina.Viewers can also watch the game on S4C, a Welsh-language free-view channel.