Italy opened the deadlock in the second half thanks to a missile shot by Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, then Moise Kean scored the dagger. Now, Italy will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, who defeated Wales in a penalty shootout. This is the 2026 World Cup Draw and how many UEFA teams will qualify.

Italy didn’t suffer much in the defensive side of things, but their attack was a bit lackluster. There is a clear disconnection from the midfield to the forwards, given that Nicolo Barella wasn’t having much involvement in the ball distribution. However, Northern Ireland wasn’t up to par.

Gattuso’s management wasn’t prolific

When Gattuso was appointed as the Italy manager, many questioned his resume. However, the Italian Federation wanted someone with a strong character, which Gattuso has. Still, his substitutions ended up proving the doubters somewhat right.

Gattuso didn’t have the best performance, as he kept Barella for way longer than he should’ve, as well as lining up Alessandro Bastoni when he wasn’t fully fit to play. He ended up substituting Bastoni as there was no reason to keep him in the game since Northern Ireland weren’t attacking much.

Bosnia and Herzegovina present a different challenge than what Northern Ireland had

Bosnia and Herzegovina is an old, but experienced squad that has a lot of heart. Italy will get more rest than them as they had to go 120 minutes plus the penalty shootout to earn their spot in this game. Bosnia will be the home side though, so Italy will have to overcome hostile environment if they want to go back to their rightful place as a World Cup team.

The encounter at the New Balance Arena began with high intensity from the hosts, but Michael O’Neill’s men deployed a disciplined defensive block that frustrated Italy’s creative efforts. Despite dominating possession, the Italians struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, heading into the locker room with the score tied at 0-0.

Gennaro Gattuso’s men emerged for the second half with renewed determination. The deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute when Sandro Tonali unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box that sent the Bergamo crowd into a frenzy.

With Northern Ireland forced to push forward for an equalizer, Italy found more space to operate. They officially sealed the result ten minutes from time when Moise Kean provided a clinical finish to make it 2-0, ending any hopes of a late comeback. With this victory, they move on to the Path A Final on Tuesday, March 31. Italy will face the winner of the other semifinal between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Azzurri must win this one‑off semi‑final to face either the Wales national soccer team or the Bosnia and Herzegovina national soccer team on March 31 for a place in the World Cup finals.

The match is set for Windsor Park in Belfast, kicking off at 3:45 PM ET on Thursday, March 26.

What happens if Italy beat Northern Ireland today?

If Italy win, they advance to the playoff final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina and move one step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Italy are playing in the UEFA playoffs because they finished second in their qualifying group behind Norway.

What happens if Italy and Northern Ireland tie?

If the match ends in a draw after regulation, it will go to extra time and, if still level, a penalty shootout will decide the winner. Like all World Cup playoff matches this year, it’s a single‑leg knockout, meaning there’s no second match or aggregate score.

In extra time, both teams will have one last opportunity to win in open play; if neither can be separated after 120 minutes, the match goes to penalties to determine who reaches the Path A final.

What happens if Italy lose to Northern Ireland today?

If Italy lose, their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign ends instantly, and Northern Ireland moves into the playoff final. In the UEFA playoff structure, only the match winner progresses; a loss means elimination from contention.

For Italy, defeat would be especially painful given their history: they missed out on the past two World Cups and are desperate to return to soccer’s biggest stage. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, would advance to the next playoff match on March 31.

The gap between the two sides in the FIFA World Rankings is significant. Italy currently sit at No. 13, while Northern Ireland are ranked 69th with 1366.02 points. Despite this, Gattuso has warned his squad against complacency, describing the visitors as a physical team that never gives up.

Northern Ireland’s preparation has been unique. Manager Michael O’Neill is currently juggling two high-pressure roles; in February 2026, he was appointed head coach of Blackburn Rovers on a short-term basis to help them fight for Championship survival, while simultaneously leading the national team’s World Cup charge.

Northern Ireland’s path to World Cup playoffs

Northern Ireland’s path to the 2026 World Cup playoffs has been unconventional. They finished third in Group A of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, trailing behind Germany and Slovakia.

However, they secured their second chance at qualification through the UEFA Nations League. By finishing first in Group K—where they competed against Bulgaria, Belarus, and Luxembourg—they earned a playoff spot as one of the best-performing group winners who had not already qualified directly.

Northern Ireland dealing with key absences

Northern Ireland enter today’s high-stakes World Cup Playoff semifinal with some crucial absences. O’Neill must reconfigure his backline without two of his most important Premier League-level defenders.

Liverpool’s Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, as he suffered a severe ACL tear in his left knee during a club match against Arsenal in January. Sunderland’s Dan Ballard has also been ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury during a recent club’s game against Brighton.

Despite the key absences, O’Neill is putting his faith in a youthful core that has gained significant experience during the Nations League cycle. Jamie Donley (Oxford United on loan from Tottenham), Shea Charles (Southampton), Justin Devenny (Crystal Palace), Trai Hume (Sunderland) and Isaac Price (West Bromwich Albion) are all available to play today.

[Watch Italy vs Northern Ireland online in the US on Fubo]

All eyes will be locked on this high-stakes showdown as Italy, a four-time World Cup champion looking to end a prolonged absence from the sport’s biggest stage, kicks off its playoff campaign with renewed urgency.

Despite flashes of inconsistency in recent years, the Azzurri enter with confidence that this is the moment they reclaim their place among the elite, but standing in their way is a determined Northern Ireland squad eager to seize a rare opportunity to return to the global spotlight.

When will the Italy vs Northern Ireland match be played?

Italy take on Northern Ireland on Thursday, March 26, in the Path A semifinal of the World Cup qualifiers, with kickoff slated for 3:45 PM (ET).

Italy vs Northern Ireland: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:45 PM
CT: 2:45 PM
MT: 1:45 PM
PT: 12:45 PM

How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland in the USA

Catch the thrilling UEFA World Cup qualifiers showdown between Italy and Northern Ireland in the USA. Stream the action on Fubo. Other options: ViX.

[Watch Northern Ireland vs Germany online in the US on Fubo]

After a rough start that included a surprising 2-0 loss to Slovakia, Germany has regained its footing with back-to-back home wins over Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. Now chasing the top spot in the group, the Germans hit the road for a tricky matchup against a determined opponent.

Though they enter as heavy favorites, Northern Ireland’s recent home victory over Slovakia has reignited their qualification hopes, making them a threat that Germany can’t afford to overlook.

When will the Northern Ireland vs Germany match be played?

Northern Ireland will take on Germany this Monday, October 13, for Matchday 4 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Northern Ireland vs Germany: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Northern Ireland vs Germany in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Northern Ireland and Germany will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: FS2, DirecTV Stream, ViX.

[Watch Germany vs Northern Ireland online in the US on Fubo]

Germany opened their qualifying campaign with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Slovakia and will be looking to bounce back quickly when they host Northern Ireland in their first home match.

Northern Ireland enter with momentum after a 3-1 win over Luxembourg and will aim to carry that form into a tougher challenge against a German side eager to respond and reassert itself in the group.

When will the Germany vs Northern Ireland match be played?

Germany take on Northern Ireland this Sunday, September 7, for Matchday 2 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Germany vs Northern Ireland: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Germany vs Northern Ireland in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Germany and Northern Ireland will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: FS1, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, ViX.

Greece were dominant during the group stage within League C, they lost only one game but that didn’t stop them from showing their strong form against the group ‘underdogs’.

Northern Ireland have nothing to fight for, but they want to win another game to close with a record of 2-2-2. If Kosovo lose their game then Northern Ireland could be the second best team in the group winning or drawing against Greece.

Greece vs Northern Ireland: Kick-Off Time

Greece and Northern Ireland play for the 2022-2023 UEFA Nations League on Tuesday, September 27 at Stadio Georgios Kamaras in Athens.

Australia: 4:45 AM (September 28)
Botswana: 8:45 PM
Brazil: 3:45 PM
Burundi: 8:45 PM
Cameroon: 7:45 PM
Canada: 2:45 PM
Ethiopia: 9:45 PM
Estonia: 9:45 PM
Gambia: 6:45 PM
Germany: 8:45 PM
Ghana: 6:45 PM
Ireland: 7:45 PM
Kenya: 9:45 PM
Latvia: 9:45 PM
Liberia: 6:45 PM
Liechtenstein: 8:45 PM
Malawi: 8:45 PM
Mauritius: 10:45 PM
San Marino: 1:45 PM
Namibia: 8:45 PM
Nigeria: 7:45 PM
Portugal: 7:45 PM
Rwanda: 8:45 PM
South Africa: 8:45 PM
Sudan: 8:45 PM
San Marino: 8:45 PM
Tanzania: 9:45 PM
Uganda: 9:45 PM
United Kingdom: 7:45 PM
United States: 2:45 PM (ET)
Zambia: 8:45 PM
Zimbabwe: 8:45 PM

Greece vs Northern Ireland: TV Channel and Live Streaming

Australia: Optus Sport
Bahamas: Csport.tv
Bangladesh: Sony LIV
Barbados: Csport.tv
Bolivia: Star+
Botswana: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety
Brazil: Star+
Burundi: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety
Cameroon: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety
Canada: DAZN , FuboTV
Ethiopia: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety
Gambia: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety
Germany: DAZN
Ghana: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety
India: Sony LIV
Ireland: FreeSports TV UK, Premier Player HD
Jamaica: Csport.tv
Kenya: SuperSport Variety, DStv Now
Lesotho: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety
Liberia: SuperSport Variety, DStv Now
Malawi: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety
Malaysia: Astro Supersport 5, Astro Go
Mauritius: SuperSport Variety, DStv Now
Mexico: Sky HD, Blue To Go Video Everywhere
Namibia: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety
New Zealand: Sky Sport 3 NZ
Nigeria: SuperSport Variety
Pakistan: Sony LIV
Portugal: Match Player
Rwanda: SuperSport Variety
Sierra Leone: SuperSport Variety, DStv Now
Solomon Islands: Sky Sport 3 NZ
South Africa: SuperSport Variety, DStv App
South Sudan: DStv Now
Sri Lanka: Sony LIV
Tanzania: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety
Trinidad and Tobago: Csport.tv
Uganda: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety
United Kingdom: Premier Player HD, FreeSports TV UK
United States: FuboTV (7-day free trial), ViX
Zambia: SuperSport Variety
Zimbabwe: DStv Now, SuperSport Variety

Northern Ireland played two international friendlies in March. They defeated Luxembourg 3-1 in their first game, but lost to 1-0 to Hungary in the second one. Meanwhile, Greece also lost 1-0 their last match against Montenegro after beating Romania 1-0.

Northern Ireland and Greece share the League C Group 2 with Cyprus and Kosovo. None of these 4 national teams managed to clinch a spot in the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar.

Northern Ireland vs Greece: Date

The Northern Ireland vs Greece match for the League C Group 2 of the 2022-2023 UEFA Nations League will be played on Thursday, June 2, at theNational Football Stadium at Windsor Park.

Northern Ireland vs Greece: Time by State in the US

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Northern Ireland vs Greece in the US and Canada

The match between Northern Ireland and Greece for the League C Group 2 of the 2022-2023 UEFA Nations League will be broadcast in the US exclusively on FuboTV (free trial). If you live in Canada, you can watch the game on DAZN.

How to watch Northern Ireland vs Greeceanywhere

If you want to watch the League C Group 2 game between Northern Ireland and Greece forthe 2022-2023 UEFA Nations League but it is not broadcasted in your country, an alternative is to use the Atlas VPN.