The race for top spot in Group A continues on Monday as Northern Ireland host Germany at Windsor Park, with both nations locked in a tense three-way battle for automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
After an opening defeat to Slovakia, Germany have recovered with consecutive victories, while Northern Ireland bounced back from their loss in Cologne last month by securing a crucial win over the Slovaks on Friday.
Michael O’Neill’s side began their qualifying campaign with a confident 3-1 victory against Luxembourg before suffering that same scoreline in defeat to Germany in September.
However, they reignited their campaign in style last week, producing a fearless performance to beat Slovakia 2-0 in Belfast. An early own goal set them on their way before Trai Hume scored his first international goal late on to seal the win and send Windsor Park into celebration.
That result has left Group A finely poised, with Germany, Slovakia, and Northern Ireland all level on six points at the halfway stage. Germany currently top the standings on goal difference after thrashing Luxembourg 4–0 on Friday, leaving the final three rounds as a direct shootout for the group’s automatic qualification spot.
Northern Ireland, who are aiming to reach their first World Cup in four decades, will face an immense test on Monday. They have lost each of their last 10 meetings with Germany, including last month’s reverse fixture, but O’Neill’s 100th match in charge provides added motivation to deliver a memorable upset.
Team news for Northern Ireland v Germany
Northern Ireland captain Conor Bradley, who impressed against Slovakia, will miss this crucial game due to suspension after picking up a booking on Friday. His absence is a significant blow, with Brodie Spencer expected to step in at right wing-back.
With first-choice goalkeeper Pierce Charles still sidelined through injury, Bailey Peacock-Farrell will continue between the posts. O’Neill is likely to keep faith with the same back three of Trai Hume, Paddy McNair, and Eoin Toal, while Shea Charles and Alfie McCann anchor the midfield.
Further forward, Cameron Galbraith and Terry Devenny should provide support to Jamie Reid, who is expected to lead the line once again.
Germany are dealing with several injuries to key players. Kai Havertz (knee), Jamal Musiala (ankle), Antonio Rudiger (hamstring), and Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back) have all been ruled out, while Niclas Füllkrug is also sidelined with a calf issue.
In attack, Nick Woltemade could earn a start after featuring from the bench last time out, joined by Serge Gnabry and Florian Wirtz. Nico Schlotterbeck is a doubt after being withdrawn at half-time against Luxembourg, so Waldemar Anton and Robin Koch are both in contention to start in defence.
Expected line-ups for Northern Ireland v Germany
Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell; Hume, McNair, Toal; Spencer, McCann, S. Charles, Devenny; Galbraith, Price; Reid
Germany: Baumann; Kimmich, Anton, Tah, Raum; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Adeyemi, Gnabry, Wirtz; Woltemade
How to watch Northern Ireland v Germany: TV channel, online stream
Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the match from 19:45pm BST and it will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
The stats for Northern Ireland v Germany
- Germany have won each of their last 10 meetings with Northern Ireland
- The Germans have scored at least three goals in four of their last five encounters with the Green and White Army
- Northern Ireland’s last competitive home defeat came over a year ago
- Michael O’Neill is set to take charge of his 100th international match as Northern Ireland manager
- Northern Ireland are aiming for their first World Cup appearance since 1986
- Germany have won three consecutive matches in all competitions since their loss to Slovakia.
- The visitors have scored seven goals across their last two qualifiers
- Northern Ireland have scored in six of their last seven home games
- Germany have conceded in five of their previous six away qualifiers
- Both sides sit on six points, separated only by goal difference in Group A
Prediction
Northern Ireland will be buoyed by their win over Slovakia and the home atmosphere at Windsor Park, but facing Germany without key players like Conor Bradley could prove decisive.
Despite their injury list, Nagelsmann’s side possess too much attacking depth and should do enough to edge a competitive encounter and remain on course for top spot in Group A.
Prediction: Northern Ireland 1-3 Germany
