"Italy will face Northern Ireland in the World Cup qualification play-offs next March, with the winner of that semi-final tie potentially taking on Wales for a place at the tournament. The four-time winners are at risk of missing a third consecutive edition of FIFA's flagship competition after finishing a distant second to Norway - who were powered by 16 goals in eight games from Erling Haaland - in Group I of the UEFA qualification section."
"Michael O'Neill's team finished third in Group A, behind Germany and Slovakia, but qualified for the play-offs by virtue of their 2024-25 Nations League performance. The winner of that tie will then go on the road in a straight shoot-out for qualification, against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Wales secured place in Group J with a resounding 7-1 victory over North Macedonia, who stunned Italy in the 2022 World Cup play-offs."
Italy will host Northern Ireland in the Path A World Cup qualification play-off semi-final next March, with the winner advancing to a final away tie against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a tournament berth. Italy finished second in Group I behind Norway and missed automatic qualification, while Northern Ireland reached the play-offs through their 2024-25 Nations League performance. Wales secured a play-off slot after a 7-1 win over North Macedonia. Other European play-off paths include Ukraine v Sweden and Poland v Albania in Path B, Turkiye v Romania in Path C, and a tie involving Denmark and the Republic of Ireland.
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