Overview
- FIFA’s draw slots the UEFA Path D winner into Group A with South Korea, South Africa and host Mexico, with Ireland only taking that spot if they qualify.
- If Ireland progress, their fixtures would be South Korea on 11 June at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, South Africa on 18 June at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and Mexico at Estadio Azteca.
- Ireland must first visit Czechia on 26 March before a home tie on 31 March against Denmark or North Macedonia to decide qualification.
- South Korea qualified as AFC Group B winners under coach Hong Myung‑bo, with star forward Son Heung‑min now at LAFC.
- South Africa reached the finals as CAF Group C winners under Hugo Broos, Mexico are automatic hosts led by Javier Aguirre, and Ireland are winless in five meetings with El Tri.