Northern Ireland did beat Germany home and away during Euro '84 qualifying but, more recently, die Nationalelf have won each of their last nine encounters with the Green and White Army, scoring 28 goals and conceding four.
Their most recent meeting in November 2019 saw Germany run out 6-1 winners in Frankfurt, one of only to occasions Northern Ireland have shipped 6+ goals since 1963.
Germany vs Northern Ireland preview
After one round of group games, few would've predicted that Northern Ireland would sit top of Group A with Germany rock-bottom, adding extra importance to this encounter at RheinEnergieStadion.
On Thursday, in an enormous shock, Julian Nagelsmann's team were beaten 2-0 by Slovakia at Národný futbalový štadión, enjoying 70% of possession, but mustering only four shots on target. This is die Mannschaft's first-ever World Cup qualifying defeat away from home. In fact, before this week, they'd only ever lost three of 104 World Cup qualifiers since their first in 1934, beaten by North Macedonia behind-closed-doors in 2021, England in 2001 and Portugal in a dead rubber in 1985.
This emphasises that this simply does not happen to Germany who, given that this is a four-team group, have now left themselves with very little margin for error. Die Nationalelf have qualified for every World Cup they've entered and, while it is not time to panic yet, June's fourth place finish at the Nations League Finals means they've now lost three successive competitive fixtures for the first time ever, very much under pressure to pick up three points in Köln.
As for Northern Ireland, they made a winning start to their bid to reach a first World Cup since Mexico '86, but face an exponentially tougher challenge 127 miles north. In mid-week, Michael O'Neill's side beat Luxembourg 3-1; Jamie Reid broke the deadlock, lashing home a rebound after a penalty had been saved, before second half strikes from Shea Charles and then Justin Devenny made the points secure at the Stade de Luxembourg. Having won promotion to Nations League B last year, the Green and White Army are unbeaten in five competitive fixtures, their longest streak for eight years.
Their exploits in the Nations League mean, whatever happens in Group A, Northern Ireland are pretty much guaranteed a spot in the play-offs in March, but are determined to go into that huge tie with some momentum, as well as increasing their chances of being at home. The Green and White Army have not been to a World Cup for four decades but, should their side earn a result in Köln on Sunday, they would really start to dream. Will Germany be simply too strong at RheinEnergieStadion?
Germany vs Northern Ireland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 19.
- Germany Wins: 13. Draws: 4. Northern Ireland Wins: 2.
Germany team news
In goal, Manuel Neuer has retired and Marc-André ter Stegen is currently injured, so Oliver Baumann will once again be donning the gloves, winning just his sixth cap at the age of 35.
Out-field, it'll be interesting to see if Julian Nagelsmann makes changes, following the defeat in Bratislava. During the Nations League, Nagelsmann had regularly deployed a back three, so could he switch back to that formation, after a four clearly didn't work in Slovakia?
Right-back Nnamdi Collins made his senior debut on Thursday, but was replaced by David Raum at half time, while Nick Woltemade, top scorer at this summer's under-21 Euros, led the line, set to keep his place, given that Niclas Füllkrug, Kai Havertz and Deniz Undav are all unavailable.
Germany predicted lineup vs Northern Ireland: (4-3-3): Baumann; Tah, Rüdiger, Anton; Kimmich, Goretzka, Groß, Mittelstädt; Gnabry, Wirtz, Woltemade.
Germany player to watch vs Northern Ireland
Florian Wirtz has scored seven international goals, all since the start of last year, the last six all coming on home soil, so will he extend that streak at RheinEnergieStadion?
Northern Ireland team news
The visitors travel to Köln without first-choice goalkeeper Pierce Charles as well as key centre-back Dan Ballard due to injury. Thus, Bailey Peacock-Farrell will win his 50th cap in goal, just the third goalkeeper to reach that landmark for Northern Ireland, after Pat Jennings (119) and Maik Taylor (88).
Meantime, Michael O'Neill will once again deploy a back three, allowing Liverpool's Conor Bradley to get forward from the right, with Justin Devenny, a scorer in Luxembourg, once again filling in over on the left. Four different strikers had started Northern Ireland's four previous internationals in 2025, but Jamie Reid got the nod on Thursday, scoring the opening goal, so is set to keep his place in attack.
Northern Ireland predicted lineup vs Germany: (4-3-3): Peacock-Farrell; McNair, Hume, Toal; Bradley, McCann, S Charles, Devenny; Galbraith, Price, Reid.
Northern Ireland player to watch vs Germany
Isaac Price continues to be the Green and White Army's main man for goals, scoring seven goals in his last eight internationals, so could he bag a priceless one in Köln?
Germany vs Northern Ireland prediction
Despite their opening night defeat, we are backing Germany for victory here, likely to swat aside Northern Ireland, blowing Group A wide open with four games to go: Germany 3-0 Northern Ireland.
Germany vs Northern Ireland FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Germany vs Northern Ireland in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Germany vs Northern Ireland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: BBC Two & BBC Northern Ireland
- USA: Fox Sports1 & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Germany vs Northern Ireland in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Germany vs Northern Ireland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: BBCiPlayer
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Germany vs Northern Ireland in World Cup qualification?
Germany vs Northern Ireland takes place on Sunday 7 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).