Mansion Sports – A high-stakes clash is set to unfold in Group A of the UEFA Zone for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers as Northern Ireland national football team hosts Germany national football team at the iconic Windsor Park Stadium in Belfast. The match is scheduled for Monday, 13 October 2025, at 19:45 local time.

This encounter is crucial for both sides as they battle alongside Slovakia at the top of the standings. 

All three teams currently share six points from three matches played. A victory in this fixture could serve as a decisive step for either side in securing an automatic qualification spot for the final tournament.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland recognizes that this match represents a golden opportunity to keep their World Cup dream alive. 

The Green and White Army last appeared on football’s biggest stage in 1986 in Mexico, and they are determined to reignite that historic moment.

The squad under Michael O'Neill is in high spirits following a crucial 2–0 home victory over Slovakia on 11 October. 

Playing once again at Windsor Park provides a significant advantage, even though the opposition is far stronger this time.

Their two home fixtures in October are seen as vital opportunities to maximize their points tally. A win against Germany would give them a major boost to remain in the race for the top spot in Group A.

Germany

For Germany, this match carries great importance as they aim to record a third consecutive win in Group A. 

After suffering a 0–2 defeat to Slovakia in their opening match, Die Mannschaft responded strongly with back-to-back home victories against Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

Now, under Julian Nagelsmann, they are determined to extend their positive momentum. However, they fully understand that playing away against Northern Ireland will be anything but easy, especially considering the host’s strong home record.

The fact that only group winners qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup adds extra pressure. 

A loss in Belfast could seriously jeopardize Germany’s chances of securing top spot, especially with a difficult away fixture against Slovakia looming in November.

Nagelsmann himself has acknowledged the challenge ahead. “Northern Ireland are always tough to beat because they rely on direct play that puts constant pressure on the defense. The atmosphere at Windsor Park will be another factor we must be ready for,” he stated.

Current Group A Standings Before the Match

Predicted Lineups for Northern Ireland vs Germany

Northern Ireland (3-4-2-1)

Northern Ireland will be without captain Conor Bradley due to suspension after receiving a yellow card in the match against Slovakia. His position will likely be filled by Brodie Spencer of Oxford United.

Pierce Charles remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, meaning Bailey Peacock-Farrell will continue as the starting goalkeeper. 

Apart from these changes, O’Neill is expected to stick with the core lineup that delivered victory in their previous match.

• Goalkeeper: Peacock-Farrell
• Defenders: Hume, McNair, Toal
• Midfielders: Spencer, McCann, S. Charles, Devenny
• Attacking Midfielders: Galbraith, Price
  
• Forward: Reid
• Head Coach: Michael O’Neill

Germany (4-2-3-1)

Germany also faces several injury concerns. Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rüdiger, and Marc-André ter Stegen have all been ruled out. Niclas Füllkrug remains doubtful, which could see Nick Woltemade lead the line.

Serge Gnabry, who impressed in their previous meeting, is expected to be central to Germany’s attack alongside Florian Wirtz and Karim Adeyemi. 

Meanwhile, Waldemar Anton and Robin Koch are on standby should Nico Schlotterbeck not be fit to start.

• Goalkeeper: Baumann
• Defenders: Kimmich, Anton, Tah, Raum
• Midfielders: Pavlovic, Goretzka
• Attacking Midfielders: Adeyemi, Gnabry, Wirtz
• Forward: Woltemade
• Head Coach: Julian Nagelsmann

A Crucial Battle for Group A Supremacy

The showdown between Northern Ireland and Germany is more than just a battle for three points. It is a pivotal encounter that could shape the course of Group A’s qualification race.

Northern Ireland dreams of recreating their historic World Cup appearance, while Germany seeks to cement their position at the top of the table.

With both teams fielding competitive lineups despite key absences, this fixture promises drama and intensity until the final whistle. Who will seize the moment and take a major step toward the 2026 World Cup? All eyes will be on Windsor Park.