2026 World Cup playoffs: Italy faces Northern Ireland in the semifinals. Wales and Bosnia face each other in the eventual final.

Italy finally knows their path in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs. The draw in Zurich determined that the Azzurri will face Northern Ireland in the one-leg semifinal, to be played at home. If they win, Gattuso's team will play away against either Wales or Bosnia, who are playing in the other semifinal of the same route.

Italy playoff schedule

The National team's path includes two possible key events: the March 26, 2026 is the date set for the Semi-Final Italy vs Northern Ireland (one-off match at home). March 31, 2026, instead, the possible final is scheduled: the winner of Italy–Northern Ireland will challenge the winner of away Wales–Bosnia.

Only those who win both matches will be able to obtain one of the last European passes for the World Cup.

Northern Ireland's identity 

The selection Northern Irish It presents itself as a solid and very compact team, stronger from a collective point of view than from a technical one. The squad is largely composed of players who play in Championship, the second English series, with the starting goalkeeper even engaged in League One, England's third-tier professional football team. Despite lacking any outstanding individual talent, Northern Ireland's distinctive traits are physical intensity and defensive organization. Their most representative player is undoubtedly Conor Bradley, Liverpool full-back, emerging talent of Northern Irish football and a key player on the right flank.

In its own grouping, Northern Ireland finished in third place behind Germany e Slovakia, with whom they fought until the end for second place, finishing just three points behind the team led by Calzona.