Germany will look to get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track when they host Northern Ireland in Cologne on Sunday.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side suffered a rare setback in midweek, losing 2-0 away to Slovakia – only their fourth ever defeat in World Cup qualifying. With only group winners securing an automatic spot at the 2026 finals, the pressure is already on Die Nationalelf to respond.
Germany’s recent form has been a concern, with just half of their matches won since Nagelsmann took charge in 2023. Defensive issues remain a problem, as they have conceded at least twice in every game this year. With crucial fixtures ahead, the four-time world champions need to find stability quickly if they are to avoid slipping further behind in Group A.
Northern Ireland arrive in good spirits after a 3-1 victory in Luxembourg. Michael O’Neill’s young side showed character, striking twice early in the second half to secure three valuable points. However, history is against them, with nine straight defeats to Germany and no World Cup appearance since 1986.
The visitors may sense an opportunity against a shaky German defence, but the hosts are expected to respond strongly in front of their home crowd.
MORE: What happened in Germany’s dressing room after World Cup Qualifying blow
Germany vs. Northern Ireland lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, rosters
Germany remain without several key players, including Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Nico Schlotterbeck. Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nnamdi Collins had a difficult debut against Slovakia and could drop out, with Robin Koch, Karim Adeyemi and Pascal Gross all hoping for more minutes.
In attack, Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade is in contention to start but faces competition from West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug. Florian Wirtz and Serge Gnabry should feature in support, with Gnabry carrying the most international goals in this squad.
Germany predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Baumann (GK) — Raum, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt — Kimmich, Gross — Adeyemi, Wirtz, Gnabry — Woltemade.
Germany full roster
Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann, Finn Dahmen, Alexander Nubel
Defenders: Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rudiger, Waldemar Anton, Nnamdi Collins, Robin Koch, Maximilian Mittelstadt, David Raum
Midfielders: Karim Adeyemi, Robert Andrich, Nadiem Amiri, Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka, Pascal Gross, Joshua Kimmich, Jamie Leweling, Paul Nebel, Angelo Stiller, Florian Wirtz
Forwards: Niclas Fullkrug, Nick Woltemade.
Michael O’Neill also has injury concerns, with Paul Smyth joining defenders Daniel Ballard, Brodie Spencer and Ciaron Brown on the sidelines. Goalkeepers Pierce Charles and Conor Hazard are unavailable, which led to Bailey Peacock-Farrell being recalled – he started in the win over Luxembourg.
The manager is unlikely to make big changes to that winning lineup, though Luton midfielder George Saville or Norwich defender Ruairi McConville could come into consideration.
Northern Ireland predicted lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left): Peacock-Farrell (GK) — McConville, McNair, Hume — Bradley, McCann, S. Charles, Devenny — Galbraith, Price — Reid.
Northern Ireland full roster
Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Luke Southwood, Stephen Mcmullan
Defenders: Kofi Balmer, Ryan Johnson, Paddy McNair, Conor Bradley, Trai Hume, Ruairi Mcconville, Eoin Toal
Midfielders: Brad Lyons, Caolan Boyd-Munce, Ethan Galbraith, George Saville, Terry Devlin, Jamie Donley, Jamie Mcdonnell, Alistair McCann, Justin Devenny, Isaac Price, Shea Charles
Forwards: Paul Smyth, Dion Charles, Ronan Hale, Dale Taylor, Callum Marshall, Jamie Reid
Germany vs. Northern Ireland match details
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8:45 p.m. local / 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT / 4:45 AEST (Sep. 8)
- Location: RheinEnergieSTADION, Cologne (Germany)
- Competition: FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- Referee: Espen Eskas (NOR)