Germany vs Northern Ireland Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

This is a must-win game for the hosts.

Northern Ireland will visit the RheinEnergieStadion to play their second 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Germany. The home side are coming into this game after suffering a shock defeat against Slovakia.

Germany are among the most successful nations in football history, but they are on a downward spiral in recent years. Under the tutelage of Julian Nagelsmann, they cannot afford another loss in the ongoing qualifying campaign.

Northern Ireland, on the other hand, are currently sitting at the top spot in group A. They registered a 3-1 win over Luxembourg and can qualify for the next World Cup with another victory.

Despite playing against the Germans away from home, Northern Ireland will back themselves to get a positive result. They are undefeated in their last two games and can exploit their shaky backline.

Kickoff:

• Location: Cologne, Germany
• Stadium: RheinEnergieStadion
• Date and Kickoff Time: September 8 – 12:15 am IST, 6:45 am GMT, 2:45 am ET; September 7 – 11:45 pm PT
• Referee: Espen Eskås
• VAR: In Use

It ends in defeat in Bratislava. 📸 DFB/Philipp Reinhard #DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #SVKGER pic.twitter.com/iGTaQCbxb7

— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) September 4, 2025

Form:

Germany (in all competitions): L-L-L-D-W

Northern Ireland (in all competitions): W-W-L-L-D

Players to watch out for:

Joshua Kimmich (Germany)

Joshua Kimmich is his nation’s most consistent performer at the moment. His ability to dictate the game allows his team to keep and regain possession with ease. He is also very versatile and can operate all across the midfield.

He is exceptional as a right back on both offensive and defensive fronts, too. Julian Nagelsmann will rely heavily on him to be at his brilliant best against Northern Ireland.

Shea Charles (Northern Ireland)

The Southampton midfielder delivered an exceptional performance against Luxembourg during his last game. Shea also scored the match-winning goal and earned all three points for his nation. His reading of the game is incredible, which helps him in positioning himself perfectly at the centre of the pitch.

He is also a strong presence on the ball as he wins a major chunk of his duels with ease.

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 6-1 win for the hosts.
• Germany lost 2-0 against Slovakia in their last game.
• Northern Ireland won 3-1 against Luxembourg in their last game.

Türkiye vs Spain: Betting tips & odds

• Tip 1: Germany to win – 1.69 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 1.97 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.46 by 1XBET

Goodnight, GAWA 👏🏻Wir sehen uns in Deutschland 💚🤍 pic.twitter.com/KNN066RRvo

— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) September 4, 2025

Injury and Team news:

Niclas Füllkrug will be unavailable for the home side due to muscle problems.

Northern Ireland, on the other hand, will have their entire squad available for selection.

Head to Head:

Total matches: 6

Germany won: 6

Northern Ireland won: 0

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineup:

Germany (4-2-3-1)

Baumann(GK); Collins, Rüdiger, Tah, Mittelstadt; Kimmich, Stiller; Gnabry, Goretzka, Wirtz; Woltemade

Northern Ireland (3-4-2-1)

Peacock-Farrell(GK); Hume, McNair, Toal; Bradley, McCann, Charles, Devenny; Galbraithz, Price; Reid

Match Prediction:

Germany are expected to register a much-needed win against Northern Ireland.

Prediction: Germany 2-1 Northern Ireland

Telecast details:

India: Sony Sports

USA: Fox Sports 2

UK: ITV

Nigeria: Afrosport TV

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