Mansion Sports – A highly anticipated showdown will take place in Group A of the UEFA Zone for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers as Northern Ireland national football team welcomes Germany national football team to Windsor Park Stadium in Belfast. The match is scheduled for Monday, 13 October 2025, at 19:45 local time.

This clash is not just another group-stage fixture — it is a decisive battle between two teams currently tied at the top of the table. 

Both Northern Ireland and Germany have collected six points from their opening three matches, while Slovakia is level with the same points tally. 

The result of this game could play a critical role in determining who takes the lead in the standings.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Northern Ireland

For Northern Ireland, this match represents a golden opportunity to continue their quest for a place at the 2026 World Cup. 

The Green and White Army has not appeared on football’s biggest stage since 1986 in Mexico, following previous participations in Sweden 1958 and Spain 1982.

The squad led by Michael O'Neill is determined to capitalize on their October home fixtures. On 11 October, they secured a morale-boosting 2–0 victory over Slovakia in Belfast. 

Now, their mission is to build on that momentum and claim another big scalp against Germany.

However, they face a significant setback in defense. Team captain Conor Bradley will miss the match due to suspension after picking up a yellow card in the previous game. Brodie Spencer of Oxford United is expected to start at right wing-back as his replacement.

In addition, first-choice goalkeeper Pierce Charles remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, meaning Bailey Peacock-Farrell will again guard the goal. 

Aside from these changes, O’Neill is likely to maintain the same 3-4-2-1 system that earned them three points against Slovakia.

Germany

For Germany, the trip to Belfast is an important step in their campaign as they aim for a third consecutive win in Group A. 

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

A victory in Belfast would significantly strengthen their position at the top of the table. However, head coach Julian Nagelsmann must contend with several absences. 

Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rüdiger, and Marc-André ter Stegen have all been ruled out through injury.

Niclas Füllkrug is also doubtful due to a calf problem, which could see Nick Woltemade starting as the lone striker. 

Serge Gnabry, currently in excellent form, and Florian Wirtz are expected to lead the attacking charge.

Nagelsmann is fully aware of the difficult task that awaits his team. “Northern Ireland are always a tough opponent because of their direct style of play and the intensity of their home crowd. We need to be fully prepared,” he said during the pre-match press conference.

Current Group A Standings Before the Match

Where to Watch Northern Ireland vs Germany

For fans eager to witness this crucial Group A clash live, several reliable streaming and broadcast platforms are available depending on your location. These include:

• FIFA+
• beIN Sports
• FuboTV
• Stan
• DAZN
• Prime Video
• BBC
• Vision+

A Battle to Decide Group A Leadership

With both teams level on points and driven by high stakes, this match is expected to deliver a gripping contest from the opening whistle. 

Northern Ireland will look to maximize their home advantage, while Germany will enter with strong determination to claim all three points.

The outcome could define the direction of the group heading into the final stretch of qualifiers. Who will emerge as the leader of Group A? 

All will be decided under the floodlights of Windsor Park. Do not miss a single moment of this thrilling encounter.