World Cup 2026 UEFA qualification

My brain doesn't work well enough to sort it out right now, but is there now a chance that the two Irish teams will face off in the playoffs?

Yes.

https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news/fifa-world-cup/republic-of-ireland-world-cup-playoffs-opponents-762267-20251116

While the qualified teams for the opening three pots depends on the results of the remaining qualifiers, Republic of Ireland already know their potential pot four opponents if they are placed in pot three.

That is because the final four qualification spots were allocated to sides who didn't reach the play-offs via their group but instead via their 2024/25 Nations League finishing positions.

Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia and Northern Ireland will be in pot four.

Therefore, they could face Northern Ireland in a competitive fixture for the 12th time in history for a place at the World Cup.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360888058/troy-parrott-hat-trick-ireland-reaches-world-cup-playoffs-after-stunning-comeback-against-hungary

Get in Scotland.  Absolutely epic scenes.