Northern Ireland: BBC to show men’s internationals over next 15 months
The BBC Sport Ni has signed an exclusive deal to showcase Northern Ireland’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches over the next 15 months.
The deal involving the radio game of Michael O’Neill’s team began with family-friendly in Switzerland on Friday, March 21, before heading to Sweden on Tuesday, March 25.
The Olympics and a visit to Iceland in another friendly match in June will prepare for Northern Ireland’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers to begin in September.
A total of 14 live broadcasts in Northern Ireland will be exhibited live on BBC NI TV, BBC IPLAYER and BBC SPORT websites in all European qualifiers and friendly matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“I’m glad Northern Ireland fans are now able to enjoy live coverage of all the big international matches,” said Adam Smyth, director of the BBC Northern Ireland.
“We love the sports in Northern Ireland. Our fans are some of the most enthusiastic people. Northern Ireland football supporters have enjoyed many memorable international football nights, which is great news for the fans. We are really looking forward to bringing them this wonderful coverage.”
O’Neill’s team will head to Lucesembourg on September 4 and on September 7 to Luxembourg, where they will hold their match-qualification tours in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“We have a long-term partnership with BBC NI to promote our domestic games on radio, television and online,” said Patrick Nelson, CEO of the Irish FA.
“This is a new chapter based on this foundation and we hope to share more success after this exciting journey to senior men’s team.”
The BBC’s broadcast agreement also includes the international competition for men in Wales and Scotland – the broadcaster has acquired all live rights in all decentralized countries in the UK for the first time.
