Watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams to see which team goes through to a 2026 World Cup play-off final, against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina, next Tuesday.
Italy are four-time World Cup winners – only Brazil have lifted the trophy more often – and yet the 2020 European champions are in serious danger of missing out on a third consecutive edition of the tournament. The Azzurri finished second to Norway – who they lost to twice – in their qualifying group, leaving Gennaro Gattuso’s side in the play-offs. Ringhio, a 2006 world champion, has won five of his six caps since replacing Luciano Spalletti in June 2025 and will have to decide whether to let Pio Esposito off the hook after three goals in the 20-year-old Inter Milan tyro’s five caps.
Northern Ireland finished third in their group behind Germany and Slovakia, but a strong showing in the 2024/25 Nations League earned them another chance at World Cup qualification. Needless to say, they will be huge underdogs in Bergamo, having lost their previous seven visits to Italy by an aggregate score of 16-2. The last time the green and white army scored against Italy was 1961. Luton midfielder George Saville returns from suspension and should start alongside bright Southampton star Shea Charles.
This is not a vintage Italian team, so can the Ulstermen pull off the biggest shock? If North Macedonia could do it in 2021, why not them?
Here’s where to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams online anywhere, including for free.
How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland for free
Live in Italy? Don’t worry, Italy vs Northern Ireland is also available on free-to-air RAI Games in your country.
Again, use NordVPN to avoid being geoblocked if you are not at home right now.
How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland using a VPN
A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device look like it’s back in your home country so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 73% discount.
How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams in USA
ViX will broadcast Italy vs Northern Ireland in the United States.
Outside the US for the international break? Use NordVPN to take advantage of the free coverage of Italy vs Northern Ireland.
How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams in the UK
Italy vs Northern Ireland will be shown absolutely free on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three.
As mentioned above, all you need is a UK postcode and a valid TV license to watch the full match.
Traveling away from the UK today? Use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer from abroad.
How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams in Canada
DAZN will broadcast Italy vs Northern Ireland in Canada.
Plans start at CA$24.99 per month, with NFL, Champions League, Europa League and EFL action all included.
A VPN will help you tune in if you’re a Canadian traveling abroad. NordVPN is our recommended provider for the 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final.
How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams in Australia
In Australia, Stan Sports will broadcast Italy vs Northern Ireland.
It costs $20 a month on top of a regular Stan plan that starts at $12 a month.
Away from Australia right now? Use a VPN to watch Stan Sport from abroad.
How to watch Czech Republic vs New Zealand live streams in New Zealand
Sky Sports NZ is the rights holder of the Czech Republic vs Ireland in New Zealand, with Sky Sport Select showing the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream included Sky Sports now subscription service from $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.
Overseas? NordVPN will give you access to your home streaming service.
How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams in New Zealand
Sky Sports NZ is the rights holder of Italy vs Northern Ireland in New Zealand, with Sky Sport 3 showing the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream included Sky Sports now subscription service from $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.
Overseas? NordVPN will give you access to your home streaming service.
When does Italy vs Northern Ireland start?
The match between Italy and Northern Ireland starts at 7:45 PM GMT / 3:45 PM ET / 12:45 PM PT Thursday, March 26.
It’s 6.45am AEDT Friday 27 March in Australia and 8.45am NZDT in New Zealand.
Can I watch Italy vs Northern Ireland on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser. For example, the BBC iPlayer app in the UK.
You can also keep up to date with UEFA World Cup qualification on the official social media channels on YouTube (@UEFA) and Instagram (@UEFA_official).
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