Germany host Northern Ireland at RheinEnergieStadion on Sunday, 7 September 2025, in what is expected to be a commanding Group A World Cup Qualifier. Die Mannschaft have never failed to reach the World Cup and are overwhelming favourites, while Northern Ireland will be desperate to secure a first appearance since 1986. Luxembourg and Slovakia are also in the group, but all eyes will be on this clash as the Germans look to continue their unbeaten tradition against the Irish, who have not won in their previous five meetings with Germany.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side comes into the game after a mixed run of results, with two wins, one draw, and back-to-back defeats to Portugal and France. Germany will look to bounce back and assert their attacking strength, and they have plenty of firepower to do so. Joshua Kimmich offers versatility and technical mastery in midfield, Serge Gnabry brings pace and goal threat from the wings, and Florian Wirtz, now with Liverpool, is the creative heartbeat driving their attack. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is sidelined with injury, meaning one of Oliver Baumann, Finn Dahmen, or Alexander Nubel will take the gloves, while new Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade adds fresh firepower up front.
Northern Ireland enter the contest off the back of a difficult run, managing only a win against Iceland in their last five outings, with draws against Switzerland and Luxembourg, and defeats to Sweden and Denmark. Michael O’Neill has blended youth and experience in his squad, with Conor Bradley returning from injury to offer dynamism down the right, Paddy McNair providing steady defensive leadership, and Callum Marshall, a 20-year-old West Ham recruit, adding attacking spark. The Irish will be determined to make history, but overcoming a Germany side of this quality on the road is a tall task.
Predicted line-ups see Germany lining up in a 4-3-3 with Baumann in goal, Kimmich orchestrating from midfield, and Adeyemi and Woltemade leading the attack. Northern Ireland are likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Charles in goal, Marshall playing behind the striker, and Bradley providing width on the right.
From a betting perspective, Germany look set to dominate. Over 2.5 goals is likely given the attacking threat, while past encounters suggest Northern Ireland will struggle to score, making “both teams to score – no” a sensible angle. For punters looking for value, Germany to win and over 2.5 goals stands out, and Woltemade is an enticing anytime scorer given his confidence and support from creative midfielders.