Italy will first host Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifying playoff in March but then would go on the road to reach its first tournament after back-to-back failures at this stage.

Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Northern Ireland were the ‘easiest opponent’ for Italy in the World Cup play-off draw, mostly due to their poor away record and their FIFA Ranking.Northern Ireland

Those groups played out a full home-and-away round-robin across the September, October and November international breaks with the three group winners Panama, Haiti and Curacao off to the World Cup, and the best two runners-up – Jamaica and Suriname – heading to the intercontinental play-offs.

Two teams trying to do the unthinkable meet up on Sunday, as Hungary and the Republic of Ireland play for a potential spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The list of countries heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is growing. Following a thrilling round of November qualifiers, 42 nations have officially secured their place in the expanded 48-team tournament set for North America in 2026.

Italy will face Northern Island in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification play-offs match next March with the winner taking on Wales for a spot to the first-ever 48-team World Cup in the North Americas

Ireland will play Czechia in the European play-offs for the FIFA World Cup 2026, it was revealed today during the draw in Zurich.

Northern Ireland take on Slovakia in the capital of Bratislava as both sides vie for second place in their FIFA World Cup qualification group. Michael O’Neill ’s side took on the Eagles in Belfast earlier in the campaign, with the home side coming out on top two goals to nil.

Hungary Vs Republic Of Ireland Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Catch the key updates from the HUN vs IRL, football qualifying match at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, as it happened

Cristiano Ronaldo likely faces a three-week wait to discover the length of his FIFA ban ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Germany have moved into ninth place ahead in the latest FIFA men's rankings ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, likely sealing a place in Pot 1 for the draw.