Preview Italy vs Burkina Faso in the FIFA U-17 World Cup quarterfinals with TV info, start time, and key storylines ahead of kickoff.

The draw for March’s play-offs was made on Thursday, pitting four-time World Cup winners Italy against Northern Ireland. If they come through that single-leg home semi-final, they will travel to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for their bracket’s final a few days later.

Germany have moved into ninth place ahead in the latest FIFA men's rankings ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, likely sealing a place in Pot 1 for the draw.

Six spots remain up for grabs at the 2026 World Cup, with four to emerge from Europe and a further two from an intercontinental playoff. What's the draw, and who will advance? We make our picks.

The inter-confederation draw has plotted Jamaica against New Caledonia and Bolivia against Suriname — with DR Congo and Iraq waiting in the two finals. Northern Ireland and Wales have been drawn in the same path as Italy, while Republic of Ireland will face Czech Republic before a potential home final against Denmark.

Ex-Italy international Marco Materazzi predicts a ‘tough’ game for the Azzurri against Northern Ireland but refuses to complain about the qualification format: ‘It’s also our fault.’Italy