The Daily Star Ireland
Germany and Northern Ireland square off at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne for a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier. The hosts are under pressure to respond after a shaky start, while the visitors arrive in high spirits following a strong opening performance. Both teams have plenty to prove — one looking to restore authority, the other eager to continue their upward trajectory.
Match Preview
Germany’s qualifying campaign began on the wrong foot with a 2–0 defeat to Slovakia, a result that amplified concerns about their inconsistency under Julian Nagelsmann. The national team has managed just 12 wins from their last 24 matches, an underwhelming return for a side of their pedigree. Defensive fragility continues to haunt them — they’ve conceded multiple goals in every match played this year.
Despite their struggles, the squad remains stacked with talent. Florian Wirtz has been one of the few bright spots, creating chances at will, while Kai Havertz and Leroy Sané continue to provide attacking depth. Nagelsmann is expected to tweak his formation to improve balance, potentially bringing in David Raum at left-back and Karim Adeyemi for extra width and pace down the right. Joshua Kimmich and Ilkay Gündogan should anchor the midfield, giving Germany a much-needed sense of control and discipline.
Northern Ireland, on the other hand, kicked off their qualifying campaign in style with a 3–1 win over Luxembourg. Michael O’Neill’s return to the helm has reinvigorated the squad, blending tactical discipline with attacking intent. Jamie Reid found the net early in that win, while Conor Bradley’s tireless energy on the flanks stood out.
However, injuries to Daniel Ballard and goalkeeper Pierce Charles pose selection challenges. O’Neill is expected to stick with a compact 4-1-4-1 system designed to absorb pressure and hit on the break. Northern Ireland’s recent Nations League run — where they held their own against higher-ranked teams — has boosted morale and belief that they can compete on bigger stages once again.
Team Form & Recent Results
Germany (Last 5 matches): L W D L L
Northern Ireland (Last 5 matches): W D L W L
Germany’s results highlight a team in transition. They’ve struggled to maintain leads and have looked vulnerable under pressure, conceding nine goals in their last four matches. Northern Ireland, by contrast, are showing promise, with improved attacking cohesion and defensive stability.
Head-to-Head Record
Germany have historically dominated this matchup, winning all of their last nine meetings. The last encounter came in 2019, when Die Mannschaft secured a comfortable 6–1 victory in Euro qualification. Northern Ireland’s last competitive goal against Germany came in 2016, underscoring the one-sided nature of this fixture.
Lineups, Injuries & Suspensions
Germany Predicted XI: Ter Stegen (GK); Henrichs, Rüdiger, Tah, Raum; Kimmich, Gündogan; Wirtz, Sané, Adeyemi; Havertz
Northern Ireland Predicted XI: Peacock-Farrell (GK); Bradley, Cathcart, Evans, Lewis; McCann, Saville, Price, Whyte; Reid; Charles
Injuries:
- Germany: None reported
- Northern Ireland: Daniel Ballard, Pierce Charles (injured)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Nagelsmann’s Germany are expected to control possession and press aggressively, but their defense remains the weak link. Rüdiger and Tah must tighten up against Northern Ireland’s quick counters, particularly through Bradley and Reid. Wirtz’s creativity between the lines will be key to unlocking a low defensive block.
Northern Ireland will sit deep, inviting pressure and looking to exploit spaces in behind. Their disciplined defensive shape has improved under O’Neill, but they’ll need to stay compact to avoid being overrun in midfield. Captain Jonny Evans’ experience could prove invaluable against Germany’s dynamic forwards.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
- Match Result: Germany (1.20) | Draw (5.80) | Northern Ireland (10.50)
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over (1.65) | Under (2.10)
- Both Teams to Score: Yes (2.30) | No (1.55)
Betting Insights:
- Germany have scored at least two goals in seven of their last nine home matches.
- Northern Ireland are winless in their last ten away qualifiers.
- Six of Germany’s last eight fixtures have seen both teams score.
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Venue: RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne
Date: October 14, 2025
Kickoff Time: 20:45 CET / 19:45 BST
Broadcast: RTL, Viaplay, FIFA+ (regional availability may vary)
Prediction: Germany vs Northern Ireland, World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Germany’s defensive issues remain a concern, but their superior quality and attacking depth should see them through against a spirited Northern Ireland. Expect a competitive match early on before Germany’s front line finds rhythm and breaks through a resilient defense.
