BERGAMO — Italy and Northern Ireland will meet in a World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday, 26 March 2026 at 19:00 GMT in Bergamo. If Northern Ireland win in Italy, they will face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-off final for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

It has been 40 years since Northern Ireland last appeared in the World Cup finals. Dan Ballard and Conor Bradley are unavailable for Northern Ireland's play-off semi-final against Italy.

Northern Ireland conceded six goals in six matches during the group stage of 2026 World Cup qualifying and kept two clean sheets. Three of the six goals conceded by Northern Ireland in the qualifying group stage came from set pieces.

Michael O'Neill is the manager of the Northern Ireland national football team. Isaac Price scored a goal for West Brom Albion before the international break preceding the play-off window.

Stuart Dallas is a former Northern Ireland and Leeds United wide player who spoke to Andy Gray. A preview show featuring Gianfranco Zola is scheduled for Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 19:00 GMT.