Germany and Northern Ireland will continue their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns when they face off at the RheinEnergieStadion on Sunday 7th September at 7:45pm (UK time). This will be both sides’ second game of qualifying in a four-team group. The match will be broadcast live on BBC One NI. Find our match preview and best bets below.
Nick Woltemade Over 1.5 fouls (7/5 with Dabble)
Nick Woltemade made the switch from Stuttgart to Newcastle in the most recent transfer window, and the 23-year-old is looking to cement a place in the national side squad for next summer’s World Cup. Woltemade has only made three appearances for Germany since his first call-up, but looking back at his foul data, he has given away at least two in all three of those matches. Against Slovakia, he gave away 3 fouls and 7/5 gives plenty of appeal for two or more or on Sunday.
Germany to win & Under 3.5 goals (11/10 with Dabble)
Germany have won 19 of their last 21 World Cup qualifiers, conceding just ten goals and after their shock defeat to Slovakia on Thursday, the pressure is on Julian Nagelsmann to get a win. Northern Ireland will set up to sit deep and frustrate their opponents, but ultimately, Germany’s quality in the final third should be the difference. We can’t see this being a thumping, and with the hosts priced at just 1/7 in the regular match result market, backing them to win and under 3.5 goals to be scored looks the appropriate wager.
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How both teams go into Germany vs Northern Ireland
With Germany participating in the UEFA Nations League finals, Group A is just a four-team group with a delayed start. Germany’s campaign didn’t get off to the start they wanted, slipping to a rare defeat in their opening Group A qualifier. Now, with Northern Ireland visiting on Sunday, the pressure is on Julian Nagelsmann’s side to deliver a response in front of their home supporters. Die Mannschaft have never failed to qualify for the World Cup, but they have bowed out of the group stage in each of the past two tournaments. Germany have lost just four World Cup qualifying games in their history, from 105 matches in total. They go into September having finished fourth in the Nations League – ending a decent unbeaten run since the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
Northern Ireland haven’t played at a World Cup since 1986. So they’ll be hoping to mark the 40-year anniversary with a return to the tournament. They had it tough in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, finishing third in their group behind Switzerland and Italy. Home draws were the problem there, with three of Northern Ireland’s matches at home ending in 0-0 draws. Northern Ireland endured a poor start to the year, winless in three friendlies. However, they did make a strong start to their World Cup qualifying quest with a 3-1 win away in Luxembourg on Thursday evening. Germany now await, in what on paper should be their toughest game of the group.
Germany team news
Marc-Andre ter Stegen misses out due to injury, leaving Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel and Finn Dahmen fight to be first-choice goalkeeper. Julian Nagelsmann has also named just two recognised strikers in Niclas Fullkrug and Nick Woltemade. But they have the likes of Serge Gnabry, Karim Adeyemi and Florian Wirtz who can play in false nine roles.
Northern Ireland team news
There are no real surprises in Northern Ireland’s squad for the September international break. Conor Bradley has been named in the squad, having recently returned from injury.
Germany vs Northern Ireland head-to-head
Germany have won the past nine meetings against Northern Ireland across all competitions. Northern Ireland have beat Germany just twice, both coming in qualifying for Euro 1984.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 19/11/19 | Germany 6-1 Northern Ireland | European Championship qualifying |
| 09/09/19 | Northern Ireland 0-2 Germany | European Championship qualifying |
| 05/10/17 | Northern Ireland 1-3 Germany | World Cup qualifying |
| 11/10/16 | Germany 2-0 Northern Ireland | World Cup qualifying |
| 21/06/16 | Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany | Euro 2016 |