Northern Ireland Overview

Italy v Northern Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs

O’Neill sparks outrage with NI selection

Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers manager Michael O'Neill has provoked a fierce backlash from Championship relegation rivals. Balancing his dual roles, the 56-year-old is accused of a major conflict of interest after heavily utilising key players from clubs battling Blackburn for survival in a 1-1 friendly draw, while resting his own prospect until the 80th minute.

UEFA slammed for 'pointless' Wales vs N. Ireland clash

Former Northern Ireland international Chris Brunt has sensationally hit out at UEFA over the scheduling of what he describes as a "pointless" friendly against Wales. Both nations saw their World Cup dreams extinguished during the play-off semi-finals, yet they are still required to travel to Cardiff for a fixture that has no bearing on tournament qualification.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
9	Valencia	37	12	10	15	43	54	-11	46	W D W L W
10	Real Sociedad	37	11	12	14	58	60	-2	45	L D D L D
11	Espanyol	37	12	9	16	42	54	-12	45	W W L L D
12	Athletic Club	37	13	6	18	41	54	-13	45	D L L W L
13	Sevilla	37	12	7	18	46	59	-13	43	L W W W L

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PTS

Form