The Matchday 6 World Cup 2026 qualifying clash between Germany and Northern Ireland will take place on September 7 at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne. Germany vs. Northern Ireland: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Germany
Julian Nagelsmann's side began this qualifying cycle with a 0-2 away defeat to Slovakia. This setback ended a seven-match winning streak in World Cup qualification. Moreover, the Germans failed to score for the first time in this tournament since 2001. Before the match against Slovakia, Germany had not conceded more than one goal in seven consecutive World Cup qualifiers. Following the unexpected result in the previous round, the team now sits at the bottom of Group A.
- At least one opponent failed to score in 6 of Germany's last 8 World Cup qualifying matches.
- The team has won 12 of their last 13 home games in World Cup qualification (1 loss).
- Germany has scored at least three goals in 6 of their last 8 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Germany (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.
Forward Niclas Füllkrug is injured. Maximilian Bayer has been called up in his place.
Northern Ireland
Michael O'Neill's side secured a 3-1 away victory over Luxembourg in their last match. Northern Ireland is unbeaten in 6 of their last 8 World Cup qualifying matches (3 wins, 3 draws) and kept clean sheets in 4 of those games. However, the team struggles to create and convert chances, failing to score in 9 of their last 12 World Cup qualifiers. With 3 points, the team leads Group A.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 10 of Northern Ireland's last 12 World Cup qualifying matches.
- The team has not won in 5 of their last 7 away World Cup qualifiers (1 draw, 4 losses).
- Northern Ireland has not conceded more than two goals in their last 13 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Northern Ireland (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.
Referee
Espen Eskås (Norway)
Matches – 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 – 23%.
Match Prediction: Germany vs. Northern Ireland
Germany surprised many with the result against Slovakia. It's likely that Julian Nagelsmann's team intended to go through qualification without dropping any points. However, this defeat will surely prompt Germany to approach the upcoming match with utmost seriousness and avoid repeating the mistakes made against Slovakia. I am confident that the team will secure a victory. After all, it would be surprising to expect a different outcome from a team that has won 12 of their last 13 home World Cup qualifiers.
Northern Ireland will focus on defense. Michael O'Neill's side will find it challenging to compete against a superior opponent, but they might manage to prevent Germany from scoring heavily. The team has been solid defensively and allows few chances, even away from home. Northern Ireland has not conceded more than two goals in their last 13 away World Cup qualifying matches. During this period, they faced Germany and lost by a respectable scoreline of 0-2.
My prediction: Germany to win and Total under 3.5 goals
