Germany face Northern Ireland on Sunday in Cologne as they look to recover from a shock defeat in their opening World Cup 2026 qualifier. Julian Nagelsmann’s side were beaten 2-0 by Slovakia in midweek, which has left them under pressure to respond quickly in Group A. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, kicked off their campaign with a confidence-boosting 3-1 win over Luxembourg.
Germany entered qualifying as firm favourites to top their four-team group. However, their poor display against Slovakia has left them with little room for error. Goals either side of half time condemned them to just their fourth ever defeat in a World Cup qualifier. With only group winners progressing automatically to the finals, Germany already find themselves chasing the group.
It ends in defeat in Bratislava.
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) September 4, 2025
📸 DFB/Philipp Reinhard
#DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #SVKGER pic.twitter.com/iGTaQCbxb7
(Odds via – BetMGM)
| Bets | Moneyline | Moneyline |
| Full Time Result | Germany: -750, Northern Ireland: +1900 | Draw: +850 |
| Draw No Bet | Germany: -5000 | Northern Ireland: +1400 |
| Total Goals | Over 3.5: +105 | Under 3.5: -145 |
| Germany to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +210 | No: -175 |
| Northern Ireland to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +2800 | No: +2200 |
Germany have now lost three straight competitive matches after also falling short in the UEFA Nations League semi-final and third-place playoff match. Worryingly, Germany have conceded 10 goals in 5 games so far this year. They have kept just five clean sheets in 17 outings since Nagelsmann took charge in 2023. Shoring up the back line will now be an urgent priority for the Germans here.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland face an enormous challenge. They have lost their last nine meetings with Germany and have not qualified for a World Cup since 1986. However, under Michael O’Neill’s guidance, the squad is showing renewed energy and belief. That was evident on Thursday when they defeated Luxembourg 3-1 away from home.
🇩🇪🔜⏳🟢⚪️ #GAWA #BuiltOnLegacy pic.twitter.com/wJs5jowcxZ
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) September 5, 2025
Germany vs Northern Ireland Under 3.5 Goals @ -145 as per BetMGM
Germany come into this clash struggling in front of goal, scoring just once across their last three matches. They lost 2-0 to both Slovakia and France, and before that managed only a single strike in a 2-1 defeat to Portugal. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, have seen Under 3.5 goals in two of their previous three matches. With Germany’s confidence dented, Under 3.5 Goals @ -145 offers strong value here, especially with Northern Ireland likely to sit deep and frustrate a German side desperate for a result.
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(Odds via – BetMGM)
| Pick | Odds |
| 1-0 | +700 |
| 0-0 | +2200 |
| 0-1 | +3000 |
| 2-0 | +500 |
| 3-0 | +525 |
| 2-1 | +950 |
| 3-1 | +1000 |
| 1-2 | +4000 |
| 1-3 | +10000 |
| 4-1 | +1400 |
| 4-2 | +4000 |
Facing a wounded Germany away from home will be a significant challenge for Northern Ireland. The visitors will need to be at their absolute best to spring a surprise here. For Nagelsmann’s men, only a convincing victory will ease the growing pressure and get their qualifying campaign back on track. Given the gulf in quality between the two teams, Germany are strong favorites to grab the three points here.
Final Prediction: Germany 3-0 Northern Ireland
Bettors can explore a variety of betting options on BetMGM, including full-time results, over/under goals, and player props for this exciting clash.
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