Scotland face Austria in World Cup play-off, with Republic of Ireland lying in wait

Scotland will play Austria in their World Cup play-off semi-final, with Republic of Ireland waiting in the final for the victors.

The national team learned their fate at Friday’s draw in Geneva, when the path to World Cup 2023 became clearer.

Pedro Martinez Losa’s side will face the Austrians at Hampden on October 6 knowing that a win will not only put them through to the next stage but also give them home advantage in the final.

Republic of Ireland, among the top seeds, would be the opposition at the national stadium, with the final being played there on October 11.

If Scotland were to get over that hurdle, then a place in Australia and New Zealand would not be guaranteed.

Only the two highest-ranked of the three UEFA play-off winners would take an automatic place in the tournament. The other nation would have to go through an inter-continental play-off against Cameroon, Senegal, Haiti, Panama, Chile, Paraguay, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, or Papua New Guinea.

The draw for our #FIFAWWC play-off has been made.

Round One fixtures will be played on Thursday, 6 October, with Round 2 fixtures taking place on Tuesday, 11 October.

Tickets will be on sale for our both matches at Hampden Park on Monday, 12 September.#SWNT pic.twitter.com/0S5tRd8k8h
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 9, 2022