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
1	Independiente del Valle	14	11	1	2	26	13	13	34	W W W W W
2	Universidad Catolica	14	6	5	3	24	12	12	23	D L L L W
3	Barcelona SC	14	6	5	3	16	11	5	23	W L D D W
4	LDU de Quito	14	7	2	5	15	12	3	23	W W W L D
5	Deportivo Cuenca	14	7	2	5	16	16	0	23	W W W L L

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