World Cup 2022 qualifying play-offs draw LIVE Wales, Scotland discover opponents

Scotland and Wales are both just games away from the World Cup in Qatar next winter.

The two nations finished as runners-up in their respective qualifying groups and will have to go through a play-off if they want to be part of the global event in 12 months.

Wales finished second in Group E behind Belgium whilst Scotland were unable to beat Denmark to top spot in Group F.

As a result they will have to go through a play-off against fellow European nations.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal are also unsure of a place in Qatar having lost their winner takes all clash with Serbia recently.

The Euro 2016 winners are the top seeds in the play-offs having acquired more points than any of the other second-placed sides.

Scotland and Wales can be drawn against the likes of Turkey, Poland, Ukraine and North Macedonia.

The Scots, led by Steve Clarke, have not qualified for the World Cup since 1998.

Wales meanwhile have appeared at the World Cup just once, way back in 1958.

16:11Samuel Meade

Who has already qualified from Europe

A mention for the 10 who have already guaranteed their place in Qatar.

Germany

Denmark

France

Belgium

Croatia

Spain

Serbia

England

Switzerland

Netherlands

16:09Samuel Meade

Who do you want to draw?

Wales and Scotland will be looking to be drawn against what will be seen as a "favourable" nation.

They can face the Czechs, who beat them at the Euros in the summer.

North Macedonia will perhaps be the team most nations would like to face in the play-offs, with their lack of experience no doubt a factor.

16:02Samuel Meade

Not long now...

Those in FIFA HQ in Zurich are preparing for the play-off draw.

We're just minutes away!

16:00Samuel Meade

Could Wales and Scotland square off?

Well, yes and no.

Initially they can't, as they're both seeded sides they will draw an unseeded nation.

However, in one of the three finals they could do.

Remember that three of the 12 nation will qualify.

Semi-final 1 winner will face the winner of semi-final 2.

Semi-final 3 winner will go against the winner of semi-final 4.

Semi-final 5 winner will take on the winner of semi-final 6.

So, depending on which semi-finals Wales and Scotland are drawn into, they could face each other.

15:58Samuel Meade

The threats

Well, where to start?

We've got the Euro 2020 champions Italy, who are looking to make the World Cup for the first time in eight years.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal side, who also boasts the likes of Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias.

Poland, who can call on the firepower of Robert Lewandowski.

15:55Samuel Meade

Page's message

Robert Page made it clear after his Welsh side held the World No 1 ranked side to a draw that they were prepared to take on anyone in the play-offs.

"When our fans are rocking like they were in the last two games we'll go up against anybody," said Page.

"We'll respect the teams but we don't fear anybody. Bring it on."

15:54Samuel Meade

Adams on the money

15:49Samuel Meade

When will the games take place?

The play-off semi-finals and finals will take place from March 24 to 29.

15:46Samuel Meade

Final hurdle

15:41Samuel Meade

Huge win at Hampden

Scotland beat Denmark in their qualifying group game less than a fortnight ago.

15:36Samuel Meade

So, how does it work?

This isn't overly simple - so here goes.

There are 12 countries in the draw - six seeded teams and the six unseeded sides.

The draw will be split into three paths, each containing two semi-finals. The winners of those ties will meet to decide who will claim one of the three places in Qatar.

So once the draw in complete the 12 nations will know their semi-final opponents and which two teams they could face in the following round.

15:30Samuel Meade

Who is seeded and who isn't?

Wales and Scotland are both seeded teams so will, in theory, dodge some of the heavyweight nations.

Portugal, Italy, Russia and Sweden are also seeded.

Ukraine, Portugal, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Austria, Turkey are the six unseeded countries.

15:25Samuel Meade

When is the draw?

Teams will be drawn against each other from 4pm.

Wales are aiming to reach just a second World Cup in their history.

Scotland meanwhile haven't graced the global stage since 1998.

15:19Samuel Meade

Welcome!

Afternoon - welcome to out coverage of the World Cup play-off draw.

It will be a nervous time for those connected with Scotland and Wales.

Neither side have reached a World Cup for well over 20 years but are within touching distance of Qatar in 12 months time.

Both nations have improved markedly in recent times, taking part in the Euros back in the summer.

We'll keep you up to date with the draw that also includes Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.