Italy vs Northern Ireland LIVE: World Cup play-off match stream, latest score, goal updates and fan reaction

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·26. März 2026

Italy vs Northern Ireland LIVE: World Cup play-off match stream, latest score, goal updates and fan reaction

Both nations bidding to move one step closer to World Cup qualification

A huge World Cup qualifier takes centre stage in Bergamo this evening as Italy face Northern Ireland in a play-off semi-final. The Azzurri are at risk of missing out on a third World Cup in a row after finishing second behind Norway in their qualification campaign, though are heavy favourites to progress given they have home advantage in the first of what they hope is a play-off double header.

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It is even longer since Northern Ireland last participated at a World Cup, 40 years to be exact. However, the Green and White Army’s hopes of a first appearance since 1986 has been dealt a major blow with Michael O’Neill without key defensive pair Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard through injury.

The winners of tonight’s play-off semi-final will then be one step closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, facing either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina next Tuesday for the right to join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B at this summer’s showpiece event. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog.