Ireland have been handed an encouraging draw as the groups for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers were made.
The draw took place in Zurich this evening as the 55 European nations found out their opponents for the draw.
Entering as third seeds after a disappointing 2020 on the pitch, the road to Qatar looks a challenging prospect but a realistic goal.
Stephen Kenny's side have been drawn in Group A for the qualifiers and will face Portugal, Serbia, Luxembourg and Azerbaijan.
All the qualifying group games will be played from March to November next year, with the play-offs path set for March 2022.
And the Boys in Green will likely need results against either Portugal or Serbia to climb the pecking order and grab a second placed spot.
Ahead of the draw, manager Stephen Kenny said: “We’re really looking forward to it. We haven’t been to the World Cup since 2002 and it’ll be great to see what it brings.”
Ireland will be bidding to return to the world stage after a 20-year absence, with their last appearance coming in 2002.
GROUP A
1. Portugal
2. Serbia
3. Ireland
4. Luxembourg
5. Azerbaijan
