A number of players in O’Neill’s Northern Ireland squad play for teams battling with Blackburn to remain in the Championship.

The Italians beat minnows Northern Ireland to reach one of the four finals of UEFA's World Cup playoffs.

Michael O'Neill said he was "a little bit disappointed" to learn that a number of Championship clubs had contacted the English Football League to raise concerns.

Wales fans booed God Save The King before their friendly against Northern Ireland on Tuesday night. The two home nations played at the Cardiff City Stadium after their defeats in the World Cup play-offs last week. Wales were beaten on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Northern Ireland lost to Italy.

Check out the best highlights between Italy and Northern Ireland in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ UEFA Qualifiers. Top 6 Ways to Invest in Gold

Sandro Tonali celebrates scoring in Bergamo Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via The Athletic has live coverage of the Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy 2026 World Cup playoff finals. Italy can breathe again — for now,

A loss for Italy against Northern Ireland will see them fail to qualify for the World Cup in three consecutive occasions.

Northern Ireland Under-21s fell to a third defeat in Group F of their Euro qualifying campaign as they were beaten 3-0 by Germany in Braunschweig.