The draw for the European World Cup play-offs has been completed, and two Wolves stars have found out how they can qualify for the tournament.
It will be the dream for any player to represent their nation at football’s biggest tournament, and for some who have yet to qualify, there is still a chance to do so.
Others, such as Andre and Joao Gomes, will have to impress at club level to make their national team squad after they were excluded from the recent internationals.
They will want to be given any chance to join the list of previous Wolves players to win the World Cup.
However, the paths of two Wolves players will meet, and only one of them will be able to go to the World Cup based on the latest draw for the European play-offs.
Matt Doherty and Ladislav Krejci will face off in World Cup play-off
Troy Parrott’s heroics against Portugal and Hungary have given Matt Doherty a chance at going to the World Cup, and it put the Wolves man into the play-off draw alongside teammate Ladislav Krejci.
However, after the draw, it will be heartbreak for either the Irishman or the summer signing, as only one can progress.
The pair were drawn against each other in Path D of the European World Cup play-offs, and it will be an advantage to Krejci with Czechia hosting the island nation at home.
The pathway means it is not possible for both nations to make the 2026 tournament, and the winner will have a home tie final against either Denmark or North Macedonia.
For Matt Doherty, he’ll be hoping his club performances can earn him back the starting role in the Republic of Ireland side, as Seamus Coleman has seemingly earned his place over Doherty.
Meanwhile, Ladislav Krejci should have no issue returning to his national side after the Wolves man missed Czechia’s 6-0 win against Gibraltar due to suspension.
This could be Matt Doherty’s last chance at a World Cup
For Matt Doherty, this play-off game will likely have much more meaning.
He will be 34 years old when the game on 26 March 2026 rolls round, and this could be his last shot at participating in a World Cup for the Republic of Ireland.
Ladislav Krejci, on the other hand, is 26 years old and could see himself playing in two more World Cups following next year’s edition in North America.
However, that sentiment will have no impact, and there’ll be no love lost between the two if they both start the match.
Representing your nation on the world stage is one of the biggest honours, and any club allegiance or friendship will go out the window.
Wolves fans will be keeping a close eye on this one come March.