Germany and Northern Ireland meet in Cologne after surprisingly different starts to their World Cup qualifying campaigns. 

Julien Nagelsmann’s side suffered a shock 2-0 loss away in Slovakia on Thursday night on another dire night for the national team after years of underachievement. It was only their fourth-ever qualifying loss, and means a win here is a mandatory requirement. 

On the other hand, Michael O’Neill’s men came away from Luxembourg with a brilliant 3-1 win that sets them up for a real crack at qualifying for their first World Cup since 1986. Any result here would be an unexpected bonus. 

The Sporting News has all the latest odds, tips and predictions for this one. 

MORE: Latest odds for the 2026 World Cup

Germany vs. Northern Ireland prediction and odds

Nagelsmann knows a response is needed after the shock loss on Thursday, and he should get it here. 

Northern Ireland have plenty of injuries and the return of Florian Wirtz should see the Germans comfortably win. 

The Germans are massive favourites at 1/8 with Ladbrokes with Northern Ireland ran outsiders at 18/1. The draw is 17/2. 

The Sporting News’ Score Prediction:

Germany 3-0 Northern Ireland

Germany vs. Northern Ireland expected lineups

Here’s how we think these two sides will line up in Cologne. 

Germany lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left)

  • Baumann (GK) — Raum, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt — Kimmich, Gross — Adeyemi, Wirtz, Gnabry: Woltemade 

Injured: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, 
Suspended: None

Northern Ireland lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left)

  • Peacock-Farrell (GK) — McConville, McNair, Hume — Bradley, McCann, Charles, Devenny — Galbraith, Price — Reid

Injured: Pierce Charles, Conor Hazard, Daniel Ballard, Brodie Spencer, Ciaron Brown, Paul Smyth
Suspended: None

Germany vs. Northern Ireland latest odds, correct score betting

Our 3-0 prediction is at good odds with Ladbrokes, but there are plenty of other possible score lines that are worth looking at for this one. Here’s a look at some of the most likely outcomes according to the bookmakers. 

*Click odds to bet direct with our selected partners. Odds correct at time of publish.

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Germany vs. Northern Ireland team news

  • Germany have several players injured at the moment, but Florian Wirtz is set to come in after missing the loss in Slovakia. 
  • Pascal Gross could also come in for Angelo Stiller as Nagelsmann makes changes from the debacle in Bratislava. 
  • Northern Ireland are without even more players, and Ruairi McConville for Eoin Toal is the only probable change. 

Germany vs. Northern Ireland Bet Builder tips

Our bet builder for this one is Germany to win with a -2 handicap, both teams not to score and Nick Woltemade to score his first international goal at senior level. That is currently just under 5/1 with Bet365. 

You can check out the latest odds and bet direct with our selected partners using the bet builder tool below.

How to watch Germany vs. Northern Ireland: Live stream, TV channel

  • Date: Sunday, September 7
  • Venue: RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne 
  • Time: 7:45 p.m. BST 
  • TV/Stream: BBC