The BBC has agreed an exclusive deal to broadcast all Northern Ireland men’s international football matches in the run-up to the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
The deal, agreed with UEFA, will include all 14 live Northern Ireland matches across all the European Qualifiers, including any play-off matches and friendlies, right up to next year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and USA.
And coverage begins with Northern Ireland’s home international challenge match against Switzerland on 21 March.
Adam Smyth, Director of BBC Northern Ireland, said: “I’m thrilled that Northern Ireland fans will now be able to enjoy live, free-to-air coverage of all the big international matches.
“We love our sport in Northern Ireland. Our fans here are some of the most passionate. Northern Ireland football supporters have enjoyed many unforgettable nights of international football and this is brilliant news for fans. We’re really looking forward to bringing them this fantastic coverage.”
Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with BBC NI to promote our domestic game across radio, TV and online. This is a new chapter which builds on this foundation, and we hope to share more success following the journey of this exciting senior men’s team.”
The European Qualifiers for the World Cup will be shown on BBC One NI and BBC iPlayer - with key fixtures also being broadcast across the UK - and will add to existing live international coverage on BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle and the BBC Sport app.
The BBC’s broadcast agreement also includes Wales and Scotland men’s international matches. It's the first time the broadcaster has secured full live rights for all three of the UK’s devolved nations.
