Match Overview: Germany vs. Northern Ireland

The Matchday 6 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign between the national teams of Germany and Northern Ireland is set to take place on September 7 at the Rhein Energie Stadion in Cologne. This preview provides a comprehensive forecast, betting odds, and key statistics for the Germany vs. Northern Ireland encounter.

Germany’s Performance Insights

Julian Nagelsmann’s squad commenced this qualification cycle with an unexpected away defeat to Slovakia (0:2). This setback ended the national team’s impressive seven-match winning streak in World Cup qualifiers. Moreover, it was the first time since 2001 that the Germans failed to score in this tournament. Prior to the Slovakia match, Germany had conceded no more than one goal in seven consecutive World Cup qualification games. Following the surprising result in the previous round, the team now finds itself at the bottom of Group A.

Key Statistics for Germany

• At least one team failed to score in 6 out of Germany’s last 8 World Cup qualifying matches.
• At home, the team has won 12 of their last 13 World Cup qualification games (1 loss).
• In 6 of their last 8 home matches in this tournament, Germany has scored at least three goals.

Germany’s Probable Starting Lineup (4-5-1)*

Oliver Baumann – Jonathan Tah, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Antonio Rüdiger, Nnamdi Collins – Serge Gnabry, Florian Wirtz, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Angelo Stiller – Nick Woltemade.

Germany Team News

Forward Niclas Füllkrug is injured. Maximilian Beier has been called up as his replacement.

Northern Ireland’s Current Form

Michael O’Neill’s men secured an away victory against Luxembourg (3:1) in their last match. The Northern Irish have remained undefeated in 6 of their last 8 World Cup qualification encounters (3 wins, 3 draws), and kept a clean sheet in 4 matches during this period. However, the team faces challenges in creating and converting chances in front of goal: in 9 of their last 12 World Cup qualifiers, Northern Ireland failed to score. With 3 points, the team currently leads Group A.

Key Statistics for Northern Ireland

• No more than three goals were scored in 10 of Northern Ireland’s last 12 World Cup qualifying matches.
• Away from home, the team has not won in 5 of their last 7 World Cup qualification games (1 draw, 4 losses).
• In their previous 13 away matches in this tournament, Northern Ireland conceded no more than two goals.

Northern Ireland’s Probable Starting Lineup (4-4-2)*

Bailey Peacock-Farrell – Eoin Toal, Conor Bradley, Trai Hume, Paddy McNair – Ethan Galbraith, Shea Charles, Justin Devenny, Isaac Price – Jamie Reid, Alistair McCann.

The Referee: Espen Eskås

Espen Eskås (Norway)

Referee Statistics

Matches officiated – 18 (International matches, 2024/25 – 2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 75;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;

Red cards shown – 4;

Average fouls per match – 33;

Penalties awarded – 23%.

Germany vs. Northern Ireland Match Prediction

The Germans surprisingly stumbled in their match against Slovakia. It’s highly probable that Julian Nagelsmann’s side had aimed to navigate the qualifiers without dropping any points. This defeat will undoubtedly force Germany to approach the upcoming fixture with utmost seriousness, determined not to repeat the mistakes made against the Slovaks. I am confident that the national team will secure a victory. It would be particularly surprising to expect any other outcome from a team that has won 12 of its last 13 home World Cup qualifying matches.

Northern Ireland’s Defensive Approach

Northern Ireland will likely arrive with a defensive strategy. Michael O’Neill’s squad will find it challenging to contend with a technically superior opponent, but they might succeed in preventing Germany from scoring too many goals. The team generally maintains a solid defense, rarely allowing many chances, even in away games. Northern Ireland has not conceded more than two goals in their last 13 away matches in World Cup qualifiers. During this period, Northern Ireland also faced Germany, suffering a rather acceptable 0:2 defeat.

Final Prediction

My prediction: “Germany Win and Under 3.5 Goals” at odds of 2.07

* For each team, the starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is indicated.