Result Italy – Northern Ireland, Thursday, 26 March 2026, World Cup Playoffs
Italy – Northern Ireland 
This is a pivotal moment for the Italian National team, battling for a place in the 2026 World Cup. Italy approaches its March 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final against Northern Ireland as strong favorites. With a remarkable head-to-head record, Italy has not lost to Northern Ireland since 1958. Italy has achieved seven consecutive clean sheets against them.
This match serves as a semi-final for the 2026 World Cup qualification playoffs, where the winner will face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina.
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Statistics: Italy has a flawless record against Northern Ireland, with five victories and two draws, and they have not conceded a single goal in their last seven encounters.
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Here are some details about Northern Ireland, Italy’s opponent.
Currently ranked 69th in the FIFA Rankings, Northern Ireland secured their spot by finishing first in Nations League Group C. They placed third in Qualifying Group A, behind Germany and Slovakia, with a record of three wins and three losses. The two teams have met eleven times, with Italy winning seven matches, drawing three, and suffering one unfortunate defeat—a 2-1 loss on January 15, 1958, in Belfast, which cost the Azzurri a World Cup qualification. Their most recent encounter, also in Belfast, ended in a 0-0 draw during the final qualifier for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, which led Italy to the play-offs.
The New Balance Arena is ready for Italy vs Northern Ireland
Credit via x.com/Atalanta_BC
Photo via x.com/Azzurri
World Cup Playoffs
🇮🇹 Italy – Northern Ireland
Thursday, 26 March 2026
New Balance Arena
Bergamo, Italy
20:45
Referee: Danny Makkelie
Assistants: Hessel Steegstra and Jan De Vries
Fourth official: Jesus Gil Manzano.
VAR: Pol van Boekel
AVAR: Jeroen Manschot
⚽️ Goals:
🟨 Yellow Cards:
✅ Official lineups – Tabellino:
Click the video to watch Italy – Northern Ireland highlights on Thursday, 26 March 2026
To be added



Estadio Azteca


































By Anna Italia

























































































































































































