Slovakia are unbeaten in four meetings with Northern Ireland, winning three of them, most notably prevailing 2-1 after extra time in the Euro play-off final back in November 2020.
Northern Ireland vs Slovakia preview
After both made a positive start to World Cup qualifying last month, who will collect three precious points in Belfast? Northern Ireland were 3-1 winners at Stade de Luxembourg in their Group A opener, with Jamie Reid breaking the deadlock early, before Shea Charles and Justin Devenny also scored.
Three days later, despite falling behind early, the Green and White Army were in dreamland when Isaac Price's stunning volley from a corner saw them equalise against Germany in Köln. Nevertheless, in the end, the hosts proved too strong and won 3-1 in RheinEnergieStadion.
Despite defeat, this continues the feel good factor around Michael O'Neill's team at the moment. Last year, Northern Ireland were promoted to Nations League B, a success that will almost certainly earn them a World Cup play-off place, should they need it. Thus, free of true pressure, they can attack this group and try and get as many points as possible, so will it be a famous Windsor Park night?
Meantime, after two fixtures, few would've expected that it would be Slovakia who top this section, but there they are. Francesco Calzona's side pulled off a major upset on matchday one, beating Germany 2-0 at Národný futbalový štadión, with Dávid Hancko and David Strelec the scorers in Bratislava. Then, the Falcons required a stoppage time goal from Tomáš Rigo to beat Luxembourg 1-0 on the road; how priceless could that goal prove to be?
Slovakia have featured at each of the last three European Championships, reaching the 2021 edition at Northern Ireland's expense, but their sole World Cup appearance as an independent nation came in South Africa in 2010. If they're to change that fact in North America next summer, the Falcons must finish in the top two of this group, so a victory in Belfast would be a huge step towards this goal. Will Slovakia pick up three points, or can the Green and White Army roar their side onto victory?
Northern Ireland vs Slovakia head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 5.
- Northern Ireland Wins: 1. Draws: 1. Slovakia Wins: 3.
Northern Ireland team news
Michael O'Neill is without first-choice goalkeeper Pierce Charles due to injury, so former number one Bailey Peacock-Farrell will be donning the gloves, having earned his 50th cap in Germany.
Elsewhere, experienced Paddy McNair will start in the middle of the back three, a formation that allows Conor Bradley and Justin Devenny to get forward from wing-back. O'Neill has tinker with his centre-forward options throughout 2025, with Josh Magennis back in the squad, having not pulled on a green jersey since last November, so will he play some part?
Northern Ireland predicted lineup vs Slovakia: (4-3-3): Peacock-Farrell; McNair, Hume, Toal; Bradley, McCann, S Charles, Devenny; Galbraith, Price, Reid.
Northern Ireland player to watch vs Slovakia
Isaac Price scored his tenth international goal in Germany last month, only the 13th Northern Irishman to reach this landmark, so could he be the hero in Belfast once again?
Slovakia team news
Francesco Calzona's side will feature plenty of experienced faces, including Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka, while Dávid Hancko alongside Milan Škriniar is a quality defensive pairing.
Genk's Patrik Hrošovský will be at the heart of midfield, while David Strelec could lead the attack, having bagged his eighth international goald ruing the famous victory over Germany.
Slovakia predicted lineup vs Northern Ireland: (4-3-3): Dúbravka; Gyömbér, Škriniar, Mesík, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Bero; Boženík, Haraslín, Strelec.
Slovakia player to watch vs Northern Ireland
Róbert Boženík has scored seven times for his country to date, yet to get off the mark since joining Stoke City in the summer, but he could be the difference at Windsor Park.
Northern Ireland vs Slovakia prediction
This Friday night fixture in Belfast is too close to call, hence why we're forecasting a draw that doesn't really help either team, and might be ideal for Germany: Northern Ireland 1-1 Slovakia.
Northern Ireland vs Slovakia FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Northern Ireland vs Slovakia in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Northern Ireland vs Slovakia in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: BBC Two & BBC Northern Ireland
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Northern Ireland vs Slovakia in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Northern Ireland vs Slovakia 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 Slovakia in World Cup qualification?
Northern Ireland vs Slovakia takes place on Friday 10 October 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).