Germany have won each of their last ten meetings with Northern Ireland, unbeaten in 13 overall, dating back to Euro '84 qualifying when the Green and White Army beat them 1-0 in both Belfast and Hamburg.
Northern Ireland vs Germany preview
Can Northern Ireland claim an historic scalp when the four-time world champions come to town on Monday night? These two nations met in Köln just 36 days ago, with Germany taking an early lead through Serge Gnabry, only for Isaac Price's stunning volley to send the away fans into raptures. Nevertheless, in the end, the hosts proved to be too strong at RheinEnergieStadion, with Nadiem Amiri pouncing on a defensive mix up to restore die Nationalelf's lead, before a truly sublime free-kick from Florian Wirtz made the points secure. So, will this rematch go the same way?
Well, Northern Ireland truly believe they can upset the odds, given that momentum is starting to build. This will be Michael O'Neill's 100th match in charge and, of the previous 99, many would argue their best performance came on Friday night. The Green and White Army comprehensively beat Slovakia 2-0 at Windsor Park, with Patrik Hrošovský's own goal breaking the deadlock, before Trai Hume's astonishing left-footed scooped volley, that has to be seen to be believed, rubber stamped victory.
This leaves Northern Ireland on six points mid-way through this campaign, having won 3-1 at Stade de Luxembourg on the opening night, before that aforementioned 3-1 loss in Köln. Having gained promotion to Nations League B last year, Northern Ireland are pretty much assured a play-off place, albeit a top two finish in Group A would make their road to a first World Cup since Mexico '86 potentially a little easier. Should they win this one, supporters would be dreaming of winning the group and automatic qualification, so can O'Neill mark his landmark night with a red letter result?
Germany meantime cannot really afford another slip up in this group if they're to claim top spot, as everyone expected they would when the draw was made. That's because, in September, Julian Nagelsmann's team began this campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Slovakia in Bratislava. This is the very first time die Mannschaft have ever lost a World Cup qualifier away from home, and only the fourth time in 107 outings, to date, they've been defeated in World Cup qualification anywhere.
Since, they have bounced back with two home wins, swatting aside ten-man Luxembourg 4-0 at Rhein-Neckar-Arena on Friday. David Raum scored a spectacular free-kick, captain Joshua Kimmich netted twice and Serge Gnabry was also on target. Thus, the top three in Group A all have six points to their name, with most forecasting Germany will win all three remaining games and cruise to first place, but just one more stumble could be fatal. Die Nationalelf have won each of their last six visits to Belfast but, at a raucous Windsor Park, could this be different?
Northern Ireland vs Germany head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 20.
- Northern Ireland Wins: 2. Draws: 4. Germany Wins: 14.
Northern Ireland team news
In a huge blow for Northern Ireland, star right-wing-back Conor Bradley is suspended, having collected his second yellow card of the campaign on Thursday night.
Michael O'Neill does not have anyone else in his squad who can do just what the Liverpool star does, but Brodie Spencer of Oxford United is the most natural deputy.
In goal, with Pierce Charles sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Bailey Peacock-Farrell will once again be donning the gloves, while Jamie Reid will continue to lead the attack, as he has done for all three qualifiers to date. Fit again Daniel Ballard is the only player who came into the team against Slovakia who did not start both matches in September.
Northern Ireland predicted lineup vs Germany: (3-4-2-1): Peacock-Farrell; McNair, Hume, Ballard; Spencer, McCann, S Charles, Devenny; Galbraith, Price, Reid.
Northern Ireland player to watch vs Germany
Isaac Price's goal in Germany made him the youngest Northern Irishman to reach ten international goals, having bagged eight in his last ten appearances, so could he be the hero again?
Germany team news
Julian Nagelsmann arrives in Belfast without Maximilian Mittelstädt, Antonio Rüdiger, Pascal Groß, Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav and Niclas Füllkrug, but still boasts an imperious squad.
With Manuel Neuer having retired and Marc-André ter Stegen injured, Oliver Baumann will win only his eighth cap in goal, having made his national team debut as a 34 year old exactly 12 months ago.
Nico Schlotterbeck returned to defence against Luxembourg, with Joshua Kimmich once again deployed at right-back, while Newcastle's new signing Nick Woltemade will lead the attack.
Germany predicted lineup vs Northern Ireland: (4-3-3): Baumann; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Pavlović, Goretzka, Adeyemi, Gnabry, Wirtz; Woltemade.
Germany player to watch vs Northern Ireland
Florian Wirtz has yet to live up to expectations at Liverpool, but did score a scrumptious free-kick when Northern Ireland visited RheinEnergieStadion, so will he be at his sparkling best just across the Irish Sea on Monday night?
Northern Ireland vs Germany prediction
Northern Ireland may have won five consecutive competitive home games without conceding for the very first time, but this will be an exponentially tougher assignment, so we're backing Germany to burst the Belfast bubble and be simply too strong on Monday: Northern Ireland 0-2 Germany.
Northern Ireland vs Germany FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Northern Ireland vs Germany in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Northern Ireland vs Germany in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: BBC Two & BBC Northern Ireland
- USA: Fox Sports 2 & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Northern Ireland vs Germany in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Northern Ireland vs Germany 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 Northern Ireland vs Germany in World Cup qualification?
Northern Ireland vs Germany takes place on Monday 13 October 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).