Today FIFA made the draw for the groups of the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be held in Canada, USA and Mexico.

Since not all 48 participants are known, the play-off participants also took place in the draw. as previously known, Macedonia was drawn in the European play-off path D together with Denmark, Czechia and Ireland.

Canadian NHL legendary player Wayne Gretzky drew the Pot 4 and right away the drew the ball featuring Macedonia.

If Macedonia wins the March play-offs it will join the Group A in the World Cup together with co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and South Korea. This groups give the World Cup opening match where will face Mexico and South Africa, while if qualifies Macedonia will open against South Korea, the only team from this group that we have already played.

In order to qualify Macedonia needs to eliminate Denmark away on 26 March and than to win the clash against the winner of the second semifinal match between Czechia and Ireland, also away and on 31 March.

If qualifies, it will be the first ever World Cup appearance for Macedonia after seven unsuccessful attempts. The closest Macedonia came in the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when we also entered the play-offs, eliminated Italy in the semifinal but later lost to Portugal in the final play-offs.