Where to watch Italy vs. Northern Ireland live stream, TV channel, start time for World Cup qualifier match

Italy will try to end their recent history of World Cup qualification misery when they face Northern Ireland in a UEFA playoff semifinal in Bergamo.

The four-time world champions had played at every single edition of the World Cup until they failed to qualify in 2018. Despite winning the European Championship after that setback, they also fell short in 2022.

Gennaro Gattuso's side have once again been forced into the playoff route after being beaten home and away in UEFA Group I by an Erling Haaland-inspired Norway.

Northern Ireland are aiming to reach their first World Cup since back-to-back appearances in 1982 and 1986.

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the weekly schedule.

Italy vs. Northern Ireland live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this World Cup playoff match in the U.S.:

TV channel: 
Live stream: Peacock

This game will be streamed via Peacock.

What time does Italy vs. Northern Ireland kick off?

This World Cup playoff semifinal clash takes place at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy and kicks off on Thursday, March 26 at 8:45 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:

World Cup playoff fixture schedule this week

Thursday, March 26

• Turkey vs. Romania (8 a.m. ET)
• Bolivia vs. Suriname (1 p.m. ET)
• Italy vs. Northern Ireland (3:45 p.m. ET)
• Wales vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina (3:45 p.m. ET)
• Ukraine vs. Sweden (3:45 p.m. ET)
• Poland vs. Albania (3:45 p.m. ET)
• Slovakia vs. Kosovo (3:45 p.m. ET)
• Denmark vs. North Macedonia (3:45 p.m. ET)
• New Caledonia vs. Jamaica (7 p.m. ET)