Italy vs Northern Ireland Free Streams: How to Watch 2026 World Cup Playoff | Tech Radar

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Italy vs Northern Ireland Free Streams: How to Watch 2026 World Cup Play Off Semifinal From Anywhere

On the road to North America, Michael O'Neill's men seek a major upset against the Azzurri in Bergamo

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Italy vs Northern Ireland: Thu. Mar. 26 – 7.45pm GMT / 3.45pm ET

Watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams to see which team will advance to a 2026 World Cup playoff 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 – to whom they lost twice – in their qualification group, thus leaving the Gennaro Gattuso's side in the playoffs. Ringhio, a world champion in 2006, has won five of his six internationals since replacing Luciano Spalletti in June 2025 and must decide whether to let Pio Esposito off the leash 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 a second 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 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 starlet Shea Charles.

This is not a vintage Italy team, so can the Ulstermen pull off the biggest of shocks? If North Macedonia could do it in 2021, why not them?

Here's where to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams online from anywhere, including for free.

Italy vs Northern Ireland is being broadcast completely free on BBC i Player and BBC Three in the UK, plus BBC One Northern Ireland.

All you need is a valid TV Licence and a UK postcode (e.g. SE1 7PB).

Those outside of the UK this fixture can access the free stream using a VPN — Nord VPN is our favourite.

Live in Italy? Don't worry, Italy vs Northern Ireland is also available on free-to-air RAI Play in your country.

Again, use Nord VPN to avoid getting geoblocked if you're not at home right now.

How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland using a VPN

A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it's back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend Nord VPN – it does everything and comes with a 73% discount.

Not having a VPN is like leaving your front door wide open in a busy city – anyone can walk right in and take a peek.

Tech Radar regularly reviews all the biggest and best VPN providers and Nord VPN is our #1 choice.

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Get Nord VPN now and watch Italy vs Northern Ireland from anywhere.

How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams in the US

Vi X will broadcast Italy vs Northern Ireland in the US.

Outside the US for the international break? Use Nord VPN to tap into the free Italy vs Northern Ireland coverage.

How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams in the UK

Italy vs Northern Ireland will be shown completely free on BBC i Player and BBC Three.

As mentioned above, you just need a UK postcode and a valid TV license to watch the match in full.

Traveling away from the UK today? Use a VPN to watch BBC i Player from abroad.

How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams in Canada

DAZN will broadcast Italy vs Northern Ireland in Canada.

Plans starts 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. Nord VPN is our recommended provider for 2026 World Cup playoff semifinal.

How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams in Australia

In Australia, Stan Sport will broadcast Italy vs Northern Ireland.

It costs

Away from Australia right now? Use a VPN to watch Stan Sport from abroad.

How to watch Czechia vs New Zealand live streams in New Zealand

Sky Sport NZ is the Czechia vs Ireland rights holder in New Zealand, with Sky Sport Select showing the 2026 World Cup playoff.

You can access Sky Sport through satellite TV or get a live stream with the Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at

Overseas? Nord VPN will give you access to your home streaming service.

How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams in New Zealand

Sky Sport NZ is the Italy vs Northern Ireland rights holder in New Zealand, with Sky Sport 3 showing the 2026 World Cup playoff.

You can access Sky Sport through satellite TV or get a live stream with the Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at

Overseas? Nord VPN will give you access to your home streaming service.

The Italy vs Northern Ireland game kicks off at 7.45pm GMT / 3.45pm ET / 12.45pm PT on Thursday, March 26.

That's 6.45am AEDT on Friday, March 27 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 through mobile apps or via your phone's browser. For example, the BBC i Player app in the UK.

You can also stay up-to-date with UEFA World Cup qualifying on the official social media channels on You Tube (@UEFA) and Instagram (@UEFA_official).

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Greg Lea is a freelance football journalist from London. He primarily covers the Premier League but also has experience covering other European competitions. He is the former editor of The Set Pieces and has had work published by the likes of the Guardian, Four Four Two, Goal.com, ESPN and more. He became a Crystal Palace fan after watching a 1-0 loss to Port Vale in 1998, and once got on the scoresheet in a primary school game against Wilfried Zaha's Whitehorse Manor (an own goal in an 8-0 defeat).

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• Italy vs Northern Ireland Free Streams: How to Watch 2026 World Cup Play Off Semifinal From Anywhere