Italy will face Northern Ireland at home on March 26 (here's the analysis of our opponent): a "do or die" match to reach the Playoff final.It's a situation we've seen before, a déjà-vu that ended

Italy block the qualification path for Wales and Northern Ireland when it comes to reaching the 2026 World Cup, while the Republic of Ireland will face Czechia in the play-off semi-finals. There are four more places at FIFA's flagship event up for grabs in the UEFA section,

The inter-confederation draw has plotted Jamaica against New Caledonia and Bolivia against Suriname — with DR Congo and Iraq waiting in the two finals. Northern Ireland and Wales have been drawn in the same path as Italy, while Republic of Ireland will face Czech Republic before a potential home final against Denmark.

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso is bracing for a bruising battle against Northern Ireland in March when the sides meet in their playoff semi-final for next year's World Cup.

Italy will face Northern Island in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification play-offs match next March with the winner taking on Wales for a spot to the first-ever 48-team World Cup in the North Americas

Italy will face Northern Ireland at home on March 26 (here's the analysis of our opponent): a "do or die" match to reach the Playoff final. Italy in the '50s achieved good results internationally, but the Azzurri struggled: in the 1954 World Cup,

Italy will face Northern Ireland in the European playoffs in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup while Sweden meet Ukraine as 16 teams learned the pathways that determine the four remaining European slots for the global tournament.