Italy face Northern Ireland in World Cup play-offs after missing out since 2014

Four-time world champions Italy will travel to Northern Ireland in the semi-finals of the European World Cup play-offs, aiming to secure a spot at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.The Azzurri have not qualified for the World Cup since 2014, making this campaign crucial for restoring their presence on football’s biggest stage.The semi-final, a single-leg clash scheduled for 26 March, will determine who advances to the Path A final, where the winner of Wales vs Bosnia-Herzegovina will await. The victorious team in the final will earn a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The European play-offs feature 16 teams competing for four spots, with one-legged matches designed to decide who progresses.Italy, as a pot one side, were drawn away to Northern Ireland, reflecting their high seeding despite recent qualification struggles.The draw also set the paths for other nations, with the likes of Denmark, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Turkey all competing for the remaining spots.The World Cup draw will take place on 5 December in Washington, DC, finalising the group stage placements for the tournament.