NORTHERN IRELAND will face Switzerland for a place at next year’s World Cup finals, while the Republic of Ireland have been drawn in a play-off against Denmark.

The eight best second-placed teams from European qualifying learned their fate at a FIFA draw in Zurich on Tuesday.

Michael O’Neill’s side will face the Swiss at home in the first leg, while the Republic travel to Denmark first before hosting the Danes in the second leg.

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Croatia face Greece and four-time world champions Italy take on Sweden in the remaining two play-offs.

Switzerland, Italy, Croatia and Denmark were the four seeded teams for the draw, meaning there was no opportunity for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to face one another.

The play-off first legs will take place between 9 and 11 November, with the return legs then scheduled for 12-14 November.

Play-off draw

Northern Ireland v Switzerland

Croatia v Greece

Denmark v Republic of Ireland

Sweden v Italy