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

Northern Ireland have recorded just one victory over Italy in the 11 previous meetings between the two nations. Michael O'Neill's side face a trip to Italy in March for the semi-finals of the European play-offs for a place in the 2026 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.

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.

JUST four European World Cup spots remain up for grabs, with many huge nations set to fight it out in the play-offs. Northern Ireland will face four-time winners Italy in the semi-finals of Path

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 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,