Former Northern Ireland international Chris Brunt has slammed Tuesday’s friendly clash with Wales as “one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard”.

Both countries had their 2026 World Cup dream ended on Thursday following play-off semi-final defeats – Northern Ireland were beaten 2-0 by Italy in Bergamo while Wales suffered penalty shoot-out heartbreak at home to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

While their conquerors go on to play for a spot at this summer’s major tournament, Michael O’Neill’s side will travel to Cardiff for a match holding much less significance.

The Irish FA have offered Northern Ireland fans who had purchased tickets to the match a “refund option” due to the “unique circumstances”.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland's Chris Brunt in action against Germany. (Photo by Lorcan Doherty/Presseye)

Former West Brom star Brunt earned 65 international caps throughout a decorated playing career and has questioned the need for Tuesday’s match.

"For the supporters, it's a complete dead rubber,” said Brunt on BBC Sportsound. “It is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard - it's pointless.

"The schedule of games coming up in England - boys play Friday and Monday (for their clubs) so it's ridiculous.

"If you look at the previous qualifying games, they're scheduled Thursday, Sunday and Friday, Monday or Saturday, Tuesday, so why come to this stage of the season and go Thursday, Tuesday?

"With all due respect to Wales, they're putting on a game in Cardiff that means absolutely nothing.

"The only good thing that comes out of it is some of the younger lads get a chance to have a bit of exposure at that level."

Coming up against Wales, who sit 35 places higher in FIFA’s world rankings, will offer O’Neill an opportunity to give international minutes to some fringe squad players.

Liverpool teenager Kieran Morrison missed out on the matchday squad in Bergamo but could be handed his senior debut on Tuesday night – Dion Charles and Jamie McDonnell were also amongst those omitted.

With the mental challenge of playing so soon after such a disappointment, Brunt predicts O’Neill will look to the wider panel in Cardiff.

"All the lads on the pitch the other night, physically and mentally it takes so much out of you and not getting the result we wanted,” added Brunt. “It's a difficult one for everyone to pick themselves up and go again.

"There are a lot of lads who go around Europe for the qualifying campaign and don't get to play a lot of football, so it's an opportunity to give something back for them who have supported the other lads through qualifying."