Italy play Northern Ireland on Thursday 26 March 2026 at 19:45 UTC (19:45 GMT / 20:45 local time in Italy) at New Balance Arena in Bergamo.

Quick Scoop

If you’re checking “when does Italy play Northern Ireland,” here’s the essential info in one place.

  • Date: Thursday 26 March 2026
  • Kick-off time: 19:45 UTC (19:45 GMT, 20:45 in Italy)
  • Venue: New Balance Arena, Bergamo, Italy
  • Competition: 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final (UEFA)

This is a one-off knockout game, so the stakes are very high for both sides.

Match details at a glance

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ItemDetail
FixtureItaly vs Northern Ireland
DateThursday 26 March 2026
Kick-off19:45 UTC / 19:45 GMT / 20:45 local (Italy)
StadiumNew Balance Arena, Bergamo
Tournament stageWorld Cup 2026 UEFA play-off semi-final

Why this match matters

This isn’t just a friendly; it’s a win-or-go-home play-off that helps decide a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

  • Italy are at home and regarded as favorites but still under pressure after past qualifying disappointments.
  • Northern Ireland come in as underdogs chasing a first World Cup appearance in about four decades.

That mix of high stakes, history between the teams, and a packed stadium in Bergamo is why this fixture is getting so much attention.

How fans can follow it

Different outlets will carry live coverage, build-up, and stats.

  1. In the UK, BBC Sport NI is providing build-up from 14:00 GMT and live coverage from around 19:00 GMT, with kick-off at 19:45 GMT.
  1. Live-score and stats platforms (like Sofascore and similar services) list the match with a 19:45 UTC start time at New Balance Arena, confirming the schedule.

If you just needed the time: circle Thursday 26 March 2026, 19:45 UTC, Italy vs Northern Ireland.

TL;DR: Italy vs Northern Ireland kicks off on 26 March 2026 at 19:45 UTC (19:45 GMT, 20:45 in Italy) in Bergamo, as a World Cup play-off semi-final.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.