Overview

• Kickoff is scheduled for 20:45 at Udine’s Bluenergy Stadium, where an Italy win would lock in at least a playoff berth for the 2026 World Cup.
• Udine is on a level‑4 security footing with roughly 1,000 police, carabinieri, financial police and soldiers, concrete barriers around the stadium, aerial surveillance by helicopters and drones, and strict controls around the Israeli team hotel.
• A large pro‑Palestine march set out in the afternoon with estimates ranging from about 7,000–8,000 people by police to up to 10,000 by organizers, and protests were also called in more than 25 Italian cities with appeals to boycott the broadcast.
• Stadium capacity was cut to 16,000 for safety and about 8,000 tickets were sold, including roughly 50 to Israeli supporters, leaving many seats empty.
• UEFA and FIFA have not suspended Israel and no executive vote occurred in recent days, while some outlets highlighted broadcast practices that avoid showing non‑sporting protests live.