Nick Woltemade’s maiden goal for Germany proved decisive as Julian Nagelsmann’s team earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Belfast, moving a step nearer to booking their place at the 2026 World Cup.
Germany began their qualifying journey with a shock defeat to Slovakia but have since recovered strongly, now leading Group A with nine points from four matches. Slovakia trails only on goal difference after overcoming Luxembourg in the other fixture of the night, while Northern Ireland remains three points behind the top two with two games remaining.
Michael O’Neill marked his 100th match as Northern Ireland boss in front of an impassioned home crowd. The only breakthrough arrived shortly after the half-hour mark when Woltemade climbed above Isaac Price to meet David Raum’s corner and guided his header beyond Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Before that moment, Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard briefly believed he had put the hosts ahead, but his effort was ruled out due to an offside in the build-up involving Paddy McNair. Northern Ireland nearly responded before the break, yet Jamie Reid fired over from close range following neat approach play from Ethan Galbraith.
Missed chances and late pressure from the hosts
Germany had an early opportunity to extend their advantage moments after the restart. Karim Adeyemi broke through but dragged his shot wide. From then on, the flow of the match tilted towards Northern Ireland, who created the better openings in the closing stages.
Shea Charles and Galbraith both forced Oliver Baumann into saves during a spirited final period in which the home side camped in Germany’s defensive third. Substitute Callum Marshall also saw a late strike beaten away in the 87th minute as Northern Ireland pressed for a leveler that ultimately eluded them.
Despite enjoying less than a third of possession, O’Neill’s men produced more attempts and registered a greater number on target, applying pressure that Germany struggled to fully contain.
Northern Ireland show resilience despite defeat
When these nations met in Cologne a month earlier, defensive errors undermined Northern Ireland in a 3-1 loss. This time, they matched their opponents for long spells and were left to feel they had simply run out of time rather than being outclassed.
Their main frustration came from conceding through a routine set piece rather than sustained attacking play. At full-time, boos directed at referee Jesús Gil Manzano reflected discontent over the limited added time as the hosts chased an equalizer.
The absence of Conor Bradley, suspended after picking up a second booking against Slovakia, was keenly felt. His energy in and out of possession, along with his understanding with Galbraith, had been crucial three days earlier. Without him, passing accuracy dipped by 9% compared to that previous win.
Even so, Northern Ireland grew stronger as the match progressed and looked capable of finding the second goal. Baumann was never required to make an extraordinary stop, but it was Germany’s defense that absorbed the greater pressure late on.
Germany improve but still lack conviction
Germany showed more poise and urgency early on than they did in the reverse fixture, where control only came late in the game. Their passing was crisper, and their composure more evident in a hostile Windsor Park atmosphere.
Woltemade’s first international goal offered encouragement amid discussions in the German press regarding their lack of cutting edge up front. Yet his header was the visitors’ only shot on target in the first half, and Peacock-Farrell was not called into action until the 70th minute.
Adeyemi’s missed chance after the interval summed up their inability to kill off the contest, and the way they retreated deeper as the match wore on may give Nagelsmann further concerns.
Germany’s remaining group fixtures — away to Luxembourg and at home to Slovakia in November — provide a clear route to securing the top spot. However, their performances through 2025 have not yet indicated that they will be among the leading contenders at the World Cup next summer.
What lies ahead
Northern Ireland will finish their qualifying campaign with a trip to Slovakia on 14 November, followed by a home match against Luxembourg three days later.
Germany travels to Luxembourg on 14 November before hosting Slovakia in Leipzig on 17 November to conclude their Group A schedule.
