Northern Ireland vs Slovakia: prediction & betting odds 10 October 2025

The Matchday 7 World Cup 2026 qualifier between Northern Ireland and Slovakia will take place on October 10 at Windsor Park in Belfast. Northern Ireland vs. Slovakia: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Northern Ireland

After securing three points in their opening qualifier against Luxembourg (3-1), Michael O'Neill's side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Germany in the last round. This loss ended their three-match unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying (2 wins, 1 draw). It was also the first time in 13 previous matches in this tournament that Northern Ireland conceded more than two goals. Nevertheless, they have scored in four of their last five World Cup qualifiers. In Group A standings, Northern Ireland occupies the second spot.

• The team has not scored more than one goal in 6 of their last 7 World Cup qualifiers.
• At home in this tournament, Northern Ireland has not won 5 of their last 6 matches (3 draws, 2 losses).
• In 8 of their last 10 home World Cup qualifying games, Northern Ireland has kept a clean sheet.

Predicted lineup for Northern Ireland (4-5-1)

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

Slovakia

Slovakia remains unbeaten, with Francesco Calzona's side defeating Germany 2-0 at home and securing a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg away. This extended their unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying to five matches (3 wins, 2 draws). Notably, Slovakia scored at least two goals in four of these encounters. Moreover, they have not conceded in three consecutive games in this tournament. With six points, Slovakia leads Group A.

• At least one opponent failed to score in 6 of Slovakia's last 8 World Cup qualifiers.
• Away from home, the team has not lost 5 of their last 6 matches in this tournament (2 wins, 3 draws).
• In 6 of their last 8 away World Cup qualifiers, Slovakia has not scored more than one goal.

Predicted lineup for Slovakia (4-3-3)

Martin Dubravka – Milan Skriniar, Adam Obert, Norbert Gyomber, Lubomir Satka – Ondrej Duda, Patrik Hrosovsky, Matus Bero – David Strelec, David Duris, Leo Sauer.

The call-up of midfielder Stanislav Lobotka was hindered by a recent injury. Defender David Hancko may miss the match due to family reasons.

Referee

Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)

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

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 63;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 23;

Penalties – 17%.

Match Prediction: Northern Ireland vs. Slovakia

Michael O'Neill's side can consider their start to the qualifying campaign successful. In two away matches, the team secured one win and lost with a respectable scoreline to the group favorites. Northern Ireland can look forward to further success in the tournament, especially as their next match is at home, where they have not lost in 8 of their last 10 World Cup qualifiers. Consistently, Northern Ireland collects points through solid defense: they have not conceded more than one goal in 9 of their last 10 home games in this tournament. Moreover, they kept a clean sheet in 8 matches during this period.

Slovakia also boasts a strong defense. They are among the five teams yet to concede in this qualifier. Notably, Francesco Calzona's side managed to contain Germany's formidable attack. Away from home, Slovakia has allowed more than one goal in only one of their last 7 World Cup qualifying matches. However, Slovakia also struggles with scoring: in 6 of their last 8 away games in this tournament, they have not scored more than one goal.

In a clash between two defensively sound teams, a high-scoring match seems unlikely. My prediction: Total under 2.5 goals