Official: Italy’s World Cup play-off semi-final opponent revealed

The draw for the 2026 World Cup play-offs is now complete, and Italy have been drawn against Northern Ireland for the crucial one-legged semi-final in March. 

The Azzurri finished second in Group I in the UEFA section of World Cup qualifying. Gennaro Gattuso’s side ended the group on 18 points from eight matches, winning six but losing twice against group winners, Norway. That included a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Erling Haaland and his compatriots in San Siro on Sunday. 

That result against Norway confirmed Italy’s second-place finish, and their resulting place in the play-offs. 

You can see how the draw unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Italy to face Northern Ireland in World Cup play-offsBERGAMO – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso looks on prior to the National anthems prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Italy have learned that they will go up against Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semi-final. This will be a one-legged match, played at home, and will take place on March 26. If the Azzurri win, they will progress to a one-legged final a few days later on March 31. 

The draw was seeded, and Italy were among the top seeds, which meant that they had to be drawn against one of Sweden, Romania, Northern Ireland or North Macedonia. 

The Azzurri were the first nation to be drawn, coincidentally, by 2006 World Cup winner Marco Materazzi. That means they are in ‘Path A’ in the play-offs.

Should Italy win their semi-final, they will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia in the play-off final. Italy will be away should they qualify for the final.

Path A

Italy vs. Northern Ireland

Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Path B

Ukraine vs. Sweden

Poland vs. Albania

Path C

Turiye vs. Romania

Slovakia vs. Kosovo

Path D

Denmark vs. North Macedonia

Czechia vs. Republic of Ireland

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