Become a TechRadar Insider
- Italy vs Northern Ireland: Thu. Mar. 26 – 7.45pm GMT / 3.45pm ET
- FREE streams: BBC iPlayer (UK)
- Unlock your stream with NordVPN (save 73%)
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.
How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland for free
Live in Italy? Don't worry, Italy vs Northern Ireland is also available on free-to-air RAI Play in your country.
Again, use NordVPN 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 NordVPN – it does everything and comes with a 73% discount.
How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams in the US
ViX will broadcast Italy vs Northern Ireland in the US.
Outside the US for the international break? Use NordVPN 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 iPlayer 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 iPlayer 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. NordVPN 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 $20 a month on top of a regular Stan subscription costing from $12 a month.
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 $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.
Overseas? NordVPN 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 $29.99 per day or $54.99 per month.
Overseas? NordVPN will give you access to your home streaming service.
When does Italy vs Northern Ireland kick off?
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 iPlayer app in the UK.
You can also stay up-to-date with UEFA World Cup qualifying on the official social media channels on YouTube (@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.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.