When Wales will play their World Cup play-off final & possible opponents

Bale has led Wales to the brink of World Cup qualification
Bale has led Wales to the brink of World Cup qualification / Athena Pictures/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

Gareth Bale has been at it again for Wales.

Following his heroics in leading his nation to the European Championships of 2016 and 2020, the Dragons are just one game away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1958 - their only appearance in the competition to date.

Wales came second in Group E of World Cup qualification, finishing five points behind Belgium to secure a spot in the play-offs. In their semi final, Bale scored twice against Austria to earn a 2-1 win and set up a winner-takes-all encounter in the final.

But while the other UEFA play-offs have concluded - Poland beating Sweden and Portugal besting North Macedonia - Wales are yet to find out who they are playing.


Wales 2022 World Cup play-off final potential opponents

Wales will play one of Scotland or Ukraine. All three teams are part of Path A in the second round of UEFA qualification for the World Cup.

As a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the semi final between Ukraine and Scotland has not been played. They were originally due to meet on 24 March.

The Ukrainian FA submitted a request to FIFA to postpone that semi final, alongside the path final. It was granted, though to avoid fixture congestion the game between Wales and Austria went ahead.


When is Wales' World Cup play-off final?

This World Cup play-off final will place on Sunday 5 June. Wales will face the winners of Scotland vs Ukraine, which takes place four days prior.


Where is Wales' World Cup play-off final?

The game will be played at Cardiff City Stadium. Wales play at the ground over the Principality Stadium due to their excellent record there. It was seen as a major factor in their qualification for both Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.


Wales 2022 World Cup group

While their spot at the Qatar World Cup later this year is still yet to be confirmed, Wales know who they will play if they qualify.

The draw for the group stage has already been made, with Bale and Wales set to take on England, the USA and Iran if they get past Scotland or Ukraine in the play-off final.

Wales and England faced off at Euro 2016, when the Three Lions earned a late win in the group stage before being knocked out by Iceland, while Wales enjoyed a historic run to the semi finals before being downed by eventual winners Portugal.