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Watch Italy take on Northern Ireland in the 2026 World Cup qualification play-offs today, as FourFourTwo presents a complete guide on how to catch the live stream and television broadcast from anywhere across the globe.

Date: Thursday, 26 March 2026

Kick-off time: 7:45pm GMT / 3:45pm ET

Venue: New Balance Arena, Bergamo

Free stream: BBC iPlayer (UK)

TV and streaming: BBC (UK), Fubo / ViX (USA), Stan Sport (Australia)

Watch from anywhere: Use a VPN service

Many football fans believe that a World Cup feels incomplete without the presence of Italy.

The four-time world champions have tested that belief over the years. Since their 2006 triumph, the Azzurri have endured two disappointing group-stage exits and twice failed to qualify for the finals altogether.

Northern Ireland now stand between Italy and their first World Cup appearance since 2014. The winner of this clash will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away in the final round, with a spot in the tournament on the line.

Here’s everything you need to know to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live online, on television, or from abroad.

In the UK, Italy vs Northern Ireland will be broadcast live on BBC Three and BBC Northern Ireland. Viewers with a valid TV licence can stream the game for free on BBC iPlayer. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm GMT.

Italy vs Northern Ireland free live stream

Fans watching online can access the broadcast through BBC iPlayer. Registration and a valid TV licence are required to tune in.

Coverage is subject to geo-restrictions, but you can use a VPN to access your usual streaming services if you’re outside the UK.

For those travelling abroad and unable to access their local streaming services due to geo-blocking, a VPN can help. This software allows your device to appear as if it’s in another country.

Provided this aligns with your broadcaster’s terms and conditions, a VPN can unblock the services you’re subscribed to while adding extra layers of privacy and security.

According to technology experts at TechRadar, NordVPN ranks among the top VPN providers globally.

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In the United States, football fans can stream Italy vs Northern Ireland through Fubo or ViX (Spanish commentary).

Fubo offers the match as a pay-per-view event starting at $19.95, while ViX provides a full subscription for $5.99, featuring Spanish-language commentary.

In Australia, viewers can watch the match live on Stan Sport, where subscription rates begin at AU$20 per month, in addition to a base Stan plan costing AU$12.

See also: All the latest build-up to the 2026 World Cup from FourFourTwo

Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland secured their play-off spot early, finishing third in their qualifying group and earning their place via the Nations League rankings.

The Green and White Army have not reached a World Cup in four decades. They come into this fixture as underdogs in Bergamo but are embracing that role.

Italy, meanwhile, have made a habit of complicating their qualification campaigns. They are now just 180 minutes away from finally sealing a return to the finals after missing the last two editions.

The Azzurri finished second in Group I, six points behind a perfect Norway side. Gennaro Gattuso will be urging his players to stay sharp against a motivated Northern Ireland team.

History doesn’t favour Northern Ireland. They have defeated Italy only once — back in 1958 — and have lost six of their eight meetings since then.

However, the last encounter between these two nations ended 0-0 in Belfast during qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

The winner of this Path A play-off will move on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the victor earning a place in Group B of the finals — starting their campaign against hosts Canada in Toronto.

Predicted score: Italy 2-1 Northern Ireland

While Northern Ireland are expected to put up a strong fight, the prediction leans towards a late win for the Azzurri.

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