Play-offs
Italy host Northern Ireland in World Cup play-off semi-final
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
Italy face Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday in a World Cup play-off semi-final, with the winners advancing to meet either Wales or Bosnia for a spot in the 2026 finals. The four-time champions are desperate to avoid missing a third consecutive tournament, while Northern Ireland aim to reach their first World Cup since 1986. Managers and players from both sides expressed determination amid high stakes.
Ipswich Town secured an immediate return to the Premier League on the final day of the Championship season with a 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers. Goals from George Hirst, Jaden Philogene, and Kasey McAteer sealed the promotion. Hull City earned the final play-off spot by beating Norwich City 2-1.
Reported by AI
Sweden defeated Ukraine 3-1 and Denmark beat North Macedonia 4-0 in the World Cup play-off semi-finals on Thursday evening. Both teams delivered strong second-half performances to secure their places in next week's finals. The matches were part of eight European ties and one inter-confederation clash vying for spots in the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.