Germany vs Northern Ireland predictions and betting tips – Can O’Neill’s men cause an upset?

Germany were stunned in their first World Cup 2026 qualifier, going down to a 2-0 defeat by Slovakia on Thursday night. They must bounce back when they host Northern Ireland, who beat Luxembourg 3-1 last time out.

Will Germany take out their frustrations on Northern Ireland, or can Michael O’Neill’s side take advantage of their opponents’s poor form? We will soon find out.

Germany vs Northern Ireland best bets

• Germany with a -2.5 Asian handicap – evens with Midnite
• Germany to score in both halves – 8/13 with BetMGM 
• Leon Goretzka to score any time – 11/5 with Tote

Germany vs Northern Ireland odds

Find the latest Germany vs Northern Ireland betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

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Germany vs Northern Ireland predictions

Germany finally began their World Cup 2026 qualification campaign on Thursday. It did not go well. A 2-0 loss to Slovakia means the Nationalelf are already playing catch-up in Group A.

It was a historic defeat for Germany, who had never before lost a World Cup qualifier away from home. It was a deserved one too. Slovakia were the better team as goals from David Hancko and David Strelec either side of half-time gave them a famous victory.

Germany just could not get going. Their passing was sloppy, their attack was blunt and their defending was shoddy. Slovakia did not even have to be at their best to emerge victorious.

There are still five qualifiers left to play and Germany remain favourites to finish top and advance automatically to the World Cup. But there is now little margin for error. 

Another German slip-up on Sunday would put Slovakia in pole position to claim the only guaranteed qualification berth in Group A.

“The whole team didn’t deliver,” Nagelsmann said after the setback in Bratislava. “The performance was very poor. The opponent was far superior to us in terms of intensity – and then their quality shows. If we can’t get that right, we might as well give up.”

“We’ve selected the best players from Germany, but maybe we need to focus less on technical quality and bring in players who show more intensity. Everyone needs to understand that. I have confidence in my players, but this won’t work with the handbrake on.”

Unlike their upcoming opponents, Northern Ireland have three points to their name after the first round of fixtures. A 3-1 victory over Luxembourg means Michael O’Neill’s men occupy top spot in the group ahead of their trip to Germany.

The score was 1-1 at the interval, but Northern Ireland were much improved in the second half and found the net twice more. 

O’Neill’s side grew stronger as the game wore on and the manager was pleased with the way his team responded after the break, having lost their way a little in the opening period.

Now comes an away game against Germany, who have won each of the last nine head-to-head clashes between this pair.

Germany vs Northern Ireland betting tips

Germany and Northern Ireland will do battle in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday evening.

Germany should win comfortably

In one sense, this might be a good time to play Germany. 

Naglesmann’s side were poor on Thursday – as the manager himself admitted – and they have now lost three competitive games on the bounce.

On top of that, Germany have won just one of their last six matches and have not kept a single clean sheet in that time.

On the other hand, this could be the worst possible time to take on Germany. There is a danger that Northern Ireland will be confronted by a wounded animal determined to make amends for that lacklustre showing against Slovakia.

Unfortunately for Northern Ireland, the latter is more likely than the former. Back on home turf, Germany should win this one by three goals or more.

Back Germany with a -2.5 Asian handicap at evens with Midnite

Northern Ireland defence to be tested

Germany’s defensive record over the last few months leaves a lot to be desired. Even so, Northern Ireland will find it difficult to actually test their backline.

Germany will have plenty of the ball on Sunday and Northern Ireland will be restricted to occasional forays forward on the break.

The visitors will spend most of the match defending their own penalty area, and it will be hard to keep Germany out for 90 minutes.

We expect Nagelsmann’s team to score either side of half-time as they seek their first win of the campaign.

Choose Germany to score in both halves at 8/13 with BetMGM

Goretzka good outside scorer bet

Leon Goretzka is not among the favourites to find the back of the net on Sunday, but that is why he is such an attractive choice.

At odds of 11/5, it is well worth a punt on the Bayern Munich man getting his name on the scoresheet. 

Whether he plays in the No.10 role or slightly deeper, Goretzka will make frequent runs into the penalty area.

With Germany set to dominate possession as Northern Ireland defend in a low block, the hosts will need runners from deep to disrupt the opposition rearguard.

Goretzka has scored 15 goals for his country, more than anyone in the current squad but Serge Gnabry. The midfielder can add to his tally this weekend.

Pick Leon Goretzka to score any time at 11/5 with Tote

Germany vs Northern Ireland predicted lineups

• Germany expected lineup: Baumann; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Raum; Stiller, Amiri; Gnabry, Goretzka, Wirtz; Woltemade.
• Northern Ireland expected lineup: Peacock-Farrell; Hume, McNair, Toal; Bradley, Galbraith, Charles, McCann, Devenny; Reid, Price.

Where to watch Germany vs Northern Ireland

• Location: RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany.
• Date and time: Sunday 7th September, 7.45pm.
• How to watch: BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

More World Cup qualifier predictions

We have plenty more World Cup qualifier predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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