Germany meet Northern Ireland in a key World Cup qualifier in Belfast.

• Last Update: October 13, 2025 06:48:48 pm BST • 2 min read

Confirmed line-ups as O’Neill reaches century

Germany will be hoping to avoid an extremely damaging second away defeat in 2026 World Cup qualifying when they face Northern Ireland.

Die Mannschaft made a nightmare start to their campaign when they were beaten 2-0 by Slovakia in September, which marked the first away loss in World Cup qualifying in Germany’s long and proud history.

Julian Nagelsmann’s men bounced back with an unconvincing 3-1 win over Northern Ireland before beating Luxembourg last week to move top of Group A.

But, level on points with both Northern Ireland and Slovakia, Germany cannot afford another slip-up as they seek to secure automatic qualification for the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

And in Northern Ireland they are facing a team with a formidable home record.

Northern Ireland team news

Brodie Spencer replaces Conor Bradley on the right side of the Northern Ireland defence. Liverpool full-back Bradley is out because of a suspension after he was booked in the win over Slovakia.

Northern Ireland: Peacock-Farrell; Ballard, McNair, Hume; Spencer, Galbraith, Charles, McCann, Devenny; Reid, Price.

Germany team news

Germany are unchanged from the side that beat Luxembourg 4-0 in their previous game.

Germany: Baumann; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Goretzka, Pavlovic; Wirtz, Gnabry, Adeyemi; Woltemade.

How to watch Northern Ireland v Germany: TV and online streams

Northern Ireland versus Germany kicks-off at 7.45pm UK time tonight. It will be broadcast on BBC Two and available to stream via BBC iPlayer. It is also available in Ireland on Virgin Media Two, the Virgin Media Player and the Virgin TV Go app.

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.