Northern Ireland 0–1 Germany: Woltemade strike seals crucial win | OneFootball

Germany moved a step closer to the 2026 World Cup with a narrow 1–0 victory over a spirited Northern Ireland at Windsor Park.

Nick Woltemade’s first-half strike proved decisive, earning all three points for the visitors and sending them to the top of Group A.

As it happened

Northern Ireland came into the game knowing that a historic result could put them within touching distance of a second-place qualifying spot. Germany, meanwhile, was already almost guaranteed a place in North America next year.

Yet the belief around Michael O’Neill’s side was evident as they pushed the German favourites to the edge in a vibrant atmosphere at Windsor Park.

The home side started brightly and looked to have taken the lead when Sunderland defender Dan Ballard appeared to bundle the ball home, only for celebrations to be cut short as Paddy McNair was judged offside.

The visitors soon took advantage, though, as Newcastle striker Woltemade deflected a corner past Bradley Peacock-Farrell to give Germany the lead.

Despite going behind, Northern Ireland continued to impress. Ethan Galbraith and Trai Hume caused constant problems in Germany’s half. Galbraith made a brilliant run to set up Jamie Reid just before half-time, but Reid’s effort sailed over the bar.

The first half ended with O’Neill’s side trailing, facing the prospect of dropping out of the play-off and automatic qualification spots.

Germany’s stars came alive early in the second half, with Joshua Kimmich and Florian Wirtz carving space in front of Northern Ireland’s defence. Karim Adeyemi should have doubled the lead around the hour mark, but angled his effort wide.

Shea Charles and Galbraith both had efforts saved by stand-in goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, as Germany were forced deeper into their own half. Ballard, Hume, and McNair consistently frustrated the German attack, while Wirtz and Woltemade struggled to make an impact.

Substitute Callum Marshall thought he had earned an equaliser in the 87th minute, but Baumann denied him, preserving Germany’s 11-game unbeaten run against Northern Ireland.

O’Neill’s side now travel to Slovakia and Luxembourg, needing six points from two games to keep qualification hopes alive, while Germany hosts the same sides, knowing even a draw would likely secure their World Cup spot next year.

The Line-ups

NIR: Peacock-Farrell; Spencer, Hume, Ballard, McNair, Devenny; Galbraith, McCann, Charles, Price; Reid

GER: Baumann; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Pavlovic; Adeyemi, Gnabry, Goretzka, Wirtz; Woltermade