The Republic of Ireland are third in their group, but their fate remains in their own hands as they face the two teams above them – taking on the Netherlands in Cork on Friday (19:30) before travelling to France for their final fixture on Tuesday (20:00).
Win both and the Republic of Ireland will seal a place at the World Cup – for only the second time in their history – regardless of results elsewhere.
As Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are in League B, however, the picture is slightly different.
The best they can achieve is a play-off place by finishing in the top three – a position both have already secured with two games to spare.
Scotland are in top spot before back-to-back fixtures with Israel on Friday (17:00) and Tuesday (18:00).
Meanwhile, Wales are second in their group on goal difference behind Czech Republic whom they host on Tuesday (18:00), after travelling to Montenegro on Friday (17:00).
Finally, Northern Ireland need a point from their final games in Turkey (Friday, 18:00) and at home to Switzerland (Tuesday, 18:00) to secure a play-off berth.
Reaching the play-offs extends hope of making the World Cup, but teams will still have to navigate two rounds in the autumn to get to Brazil.