Wales host Northern Ireland in a friendly on Tuesday, a match that nobody wants. The fixture is taking place because both teams lost their World Cup play-off semi-finals on Thursday, against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy respectively. But for the fans and anyone else associated with these teams, this is a tough sell. It is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard - it's pointless," was the blunt assessment from former Northern Ireland midfielder Chris Brunt. The reality, however, is that international football's governing bodies have decreed the game must go ahead, whether anyone likes it or not.

Source: BBC March 31, 2026 06:55 UTC