Sunderland defender Dan Ballard has been included in Northern Ireland's squad for the World Cup play-off semi-final in Italy despite a hamstring issue. Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said he didn't "know the exact extent" of Ballard's injury, and admitted "there are a few injury problems" in his 28-man squad. The 19-year-old has featured in the FA Cup and EFL Cup for Arne Slot's side this season and is a Northern Ireland underage international. Northern Ireland face Italy in Bergamo on Thursday, 26 March and the winner will travel to Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-off final on 31 March. The winner of the play-off will be in Group B for the World Cup with co-hosts Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.

Source: BBC March 16, 2026 16:08 UTC