How can Ireland make it to the World Cup through the play-offs?

Michael Bolton

After defeating Portugal on Tuesday, Ireland fans can be forgiven for getting carried away and planning their way to the US next summer.

Troy Parrott's goals mean the Republic of Ireland have a chance of reaching the play-offs for the World Cup if they finish second in the group.

Currently in second in the group is Hungary, who defeated Armenia 1-0, and are one point ahead of Heimir Hallgrimsson's side.

So what does Ireland need to do from here to qualify for a first World Cup since 2002?

Defeat Hungary

Plain and simple, Ireland has to win in Budapest on Sunday to make the play-offs.

A win for Ireland will see them overtake Hungary in second, no matter how they do it.

However, if Hungary avoid defeat, it will be them in the play-offs. A win for Hungary and a defeat for Portugal against Armenia would put them through automatically as group winners.

The play-offs

The play-offs will be of the 12teams who finished second in their group qualifying, and four teams will qualify through the Nations League that finished outside the top two of their World Cup qualifying group.

The 16 teams will be divided into semi-finals and finals, divided into four pots.

Due to the Republic of Ireland's world ranking of 62nd as of October, they would likely be placed in Pot Three or Four.

Some of the biggest teams who look set to be in the play-offs are Italy, Ukraine, Scotland, and Turkey.

Should Ireland get through the semi-finals, they would face another winner of the semi-finals.

The draw for the play-offs takes place on November 20th, with the games taking place,