Italy Advances in World Cup Qualifying with Victory Over Northern Ireland

Bergamo, Italy – Italy secured a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in a crucial World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The decisive goal came from Sandro Tonali in the 56th minute.

Key Results from Thursday’s Play-offs

Thursday saw a busy schedule of European World Cup play-off matches. Here’s a look at the final scores:

• Turkey 1-0 Romania (Kadioglu)
• Czech Republic 1-2 Republic of Ireland (Schick. Parrott, Kovar OG)
• Denmark 3-0 North Macedonia (Damsgaard, Isaksen x2)
• Italy 1-0 Northern Ireland (Tonali)
• Poland 1-1 Albania (Lewandowski; Hoxha)
• Slovakia 2-3 Kosovo (Valjent, Haraslin; Hodza; Asllani, Muslija)
• Ukraine 0-2 Sweden (Gyokeres x2)
• Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina (James)

Match Details: Italy vs. Northern Ireland

Italy will now face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final, with a spot in the 2026 World Cup on the line. The match was streamed on Fubo with pay-per-view access.

Other Notable Results

Elsewhere in the qualifying action, Wales defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0, with Karl Darlow making a crucial save to preserve the lead. Poland drew 1-1 with Albania, with Robert Lewandowski scoring for Poland.

“Darlow makes a sizeable save for Wales,”

Stuart James, Football Writer

Sweden secured a 2-0 win against Ukraine, with Gyokeres scoring both goals. Kosovo also had a surprising victory, defeating Slovakia 3-2.

Looking Ahead

The corresponding play-off finals will be held on Tuesday, determining the final European teams to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of the World Cup qualifying process.