Italy will still play Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina if they lose to Northern Ireland | OneFootball

Italy will play two games during the international break in March 2026, regardless of whether they qualify for the World Cup play-off final.

Italy will meet Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26, 2026, and if they progress, the Azzurri will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away in the decisive Final.

As reported by Cronache di Spogliatoio on X social media, however, the Azzurri will play two games during the next break regardless of their result against Northern Ireland.

Italy friendly already scheduled if they lose to Northern Ireland

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Sander Berge of Norway battles for possession with Mateo Retegui of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In fact, UEFA agreements with TV right holders stipulate that the teams defeated in the semifinals face each other in a friendly match.

The same happened in 2022 when the Azzurri lost 1-0 to North Macedonia and played Turkiye in a meaningless friendly, which La Nazionale won 3-2.

PALERMO, ITALY – MARCH 24: Alessandro Bastoni and Joao Pedro Galvao of Italy look dejected during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier knockout round play-off match between Italy and North Macedonia at Renzo Barbera Stadium in Palermo, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

Italy have not played in the World Cup since 2014 and have not played a knock-out phase in the competition since 2006 when they eventually lifted the trophy.