Who could Republic of Ireland face in World Cup play-offs?

Republic of Ireland could face Hungary, Greece, Romania or Croatia among others in their World Cup play-off semi-final [Getty Images] Republic of Ireland have to go the long way round to reach a second successive World Cup, just as they did when reaching the 2023 tournament. The good news for Carla Ward's side is they will be seeded for both the semi-final and final should they get there and are likely to avoid having to play an inter-confederation play-off due to their recent good run of form. Republic of Ireland finished third in Group A2, with their defeat by France in their last game ending hopes of automatic qualification. Despite that loss, the Irish did enjoy a successful campaign as they became the first side promoted from League B not to be relegated straight back down again. They will be the form side everyone wants to avoid and BBC Sport NI looks at who they could face in the two-legged semi-final in October ahead of Thursday's draw. Hungary Republic of Ireland have won their previous three meetings against Hungary [Getty Images] World ranking: 45th World Cup qualifying group: First Group C3 Last World Cup: Never qualified Due to their third-place finish in League A, Republic of Ireland have been handed, in theory, a kinder path in the play-offs and will come up against a side in League C in the semi-final. Hungary are the highest-ranked League C side they could face after they topped Group C3 with five wins and a draw from their six games to earn promotion to League B. With former striker Alexandra Szarvas as manager, they will aim to spring a surprise against the Irish as they try to qualify for a first-ever major tournament. The two sides met recently in a behind closed doors friendly in Spain in November, with Ward's side coming out 3-2 winners. Republic of Ireland also won the two games in 2023 when they were in the same Nations League group as the Hungarians. They will probably be the team Republic of Ireland will want to avoid out of all the potential opponents, although they would still be favourites to progress if they were drawn together. Greece Republic of Ireland won both of their Nations League games against Greece [Getty Images] World ranking: 59th World Cup qualifying group: First Group C4 Last World Cup: Never qualified Greece had the benefit of playing in a three-team group and they won all four games, conceding just four goals to top Group C4 and return to League B. They came up against Republic of Ireland in the previous edition of the Nations League when both were in League B. The Irish won 4-0 away from home and then picked up a narrow 2-1 victory at Tallaght Stadium. Given the two different trajectories the sides have taken since those games last year, Republic of Ireland would fancy their chances to again beat the Greeks and progress to a play-off final. Romania Romania won Group C5 with three wins and a draw from their four games [Getty Images] World ranking: 53rd World Cup qualifying group: First Group C5 Last World Cup: Never qualified Romania, like Greece, were also in a three-team group and were unbeaten in topping Group C5. They picked up three wins and a draw to again win promotion back to League B, scoring eight goals and conceding none. While Republic of Ireland have not faced Romania in recent years, neighbours Northern Ireland have in the previous edition of the Nations League, picking up a 1-0 win at home after a 1-1 draw away. Romania's solid defensive record in this year's Nations League shows they will be hard to break down. Belarus World ranking: 52nd World Cup qualifying group: First Group C6 Last World Cup: Never qualified Belarus finished top of Group C6 by winning three and losing one of their four games. They suffered their sole defeat against Kazakhstan in April but responded in June by thrashing Armenia 6-0 in their final game. Due to political sanctions on the country, Belarus' home games take place at neutral venues and they played their two in the group phase in Gori, Georgia. Kosovo World ranking: 85th World Cup qualifying group: First in Group C2 Last World Cup: Never qualified Kosovo finished first in Group C2 after five wins from their six games, including two big victories over Gibraltar. Their superior goal differenced helped them pip Croatia to top the group by just two goals. This is only the third cycle of World Cup qualifying Kosovo have participated in and they face a tough task to reach their first ever major tournament given their run of good form has come against sides much weaker than Republic of Ireland. Lithuania World ranking: 94th World Cup qualifying group: First in Group C1 Last World Cup: Never qualified Lithuania are the second lowest ranked side Republic of Ireland could face and are therefore one of the most favourable sides to draw. They topped Group C1 with an inconsistent run as they won just three of their six games, drawing two and losing one although they have earned promotion to League B for the first time. Their two draws were stalemates against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Estonia, who they also suffered a 2-1 defeat against. Like many League C sides, it will take a Herculean effort for them to get through the play-offs and qualify for a first major tournament. Croatia Croatia won five and lost one of their six games in Group C2 [Getty Images] World ranking: 63rd World Cup qualifying group: Second in Group C2 Last World Cup: Never qualified Croatia earned a play-off despite finishing second in Group C2 due to their strong showing in comparison to other League C sides. Like Kosovo, they won five and lost one of their six games but their inferior goal difference denied them top spot and a return to League B. Croatia featured in the Euro 2025 play-offs, but were beaten 2-1 by NI over two legs. A challenge Republic of Ireland will face if they draw Croatia and the game goes ahead in Varazdin is the playing surface. When NI played at the Gradski Stadion Varteks in October 2024, their then manager Tanya Oxtoby was critical of the pitch and the visitors' general treatment while in Croatia. Kazakhstan World ranking: 100th World Cup qualifying group: Second Group C6 Last World Cup: Never qualified The lowest ranked side Republic of Ireland could face, Kazakhstan would be a dream opponent for that reason but maybe not for the travel involved for the away leg. Kazakhstan finished second in Group C6 behind Belarus, picking up two wins, a draw and a defeat from their four games. Second place means they will remain in League C for a third successive year but they will be content to even be involved in the play-offs.