Next week could see arguably the most depressing set of fixtures in football, with losers of play-offs set to meet after seeing their World Cup dreams dashed.
Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Wales were among eight European nations to see their hopes of featuring in their summer’s tournament come to an end on Thursday in play-off semi-finals.
Wales suffered penalty heartbreak against Bosnia and Herzegovina, losing 4-2 in front of their home fans following a 1-1 draw on the night.
It was a similar story for the Republic of Ireland after they let a 2-0 lead slip away to the Czech Republic, before losing 4-3 in a shootout.
Northern Ireland were unable to cause an upset as they were beaten 2-0 by Italy in Bergamo.
Rather than advancing to four play-off finals next week, they will instead be obliged to feature in pre-determined friendly matches, with teams mandated to play twice during the international break.
Wales saw their World Cup dream dashed on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Wales will now host a friendly against Northern Ireland, who saw their hopes crused by Italy
Having hoped to be hosting Italy, Wales will instead be welcoming Northern Ireland to the Cardiff City Stadium next Tuesday.
The Football Association of Wales had confirmed in December that fans would be committed to their tickets for the second fixture, regardless of the outcome of the play-off semi-final.
‘If Cymru beat Bosnia & Herzegovina, this will be a play-off final against the other semi-final winner. If Cymru lose to Bosnia & Herzegovina, this will be an international challenge match against the loser of the other semi-final,’ the organisation confirmed in December.
‘By purchasing tickets for this match, supporters are committed to their tickets regardless of the opposition or the nature of the match. Ticket refunds will not be issued based on the result of Cymru v Bosnia & Herzegovina.’
Category one to three adult tickets were priced between £35 to £50, while young adults ranged from £25 to £35 and juniors from £9.50 to £25.
The Republic of Ireland, rather than hosting Denmark in a final, will welcome North Macedonia to the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday.
Ukraine and Albania will also meet in a friendly following their respective semi-final defeats by Sweden and Poland, while Slovakia will host Romania.
The Republic of Ireland will play North Macedonia in a friendly, rather than hosting Denmark in a play-off final
While these fixtures are playing out, four crunch finals will be taking place to determine Europe’s final World Cup participants.
Italy will be seeking to qualify for a first World Cup since 2014 when they host Bosnia, while Sweden take on Poland.
Kosovo will aim to reach a maiden World Cup when they take on Turkey, while the Czech Republic face Denmark.
Twelve European teams have already qualified, with England and Scotland joined by Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.
