
The Football Faithful
·7 September 2025
Northern Ireland XI vs Germany – Predicted lineup and team news

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·7 September 2025
Northern Ireland face Germany in the second round of FIFA World Cup European qualifiers on Sunday following emphatic win against Luxembourg.
Michael O’Neill’s squad has also been hit by several key withdrawals ahead of the trip to Germany. Goalkeeper Pierce Charles suffered a shoulder injury and has been replaced by uncapped Fleetwood Town keeper Stephen McMullan, while defenders Daniel Ballard and Brodie Spencer are unavailable through injury.
Paul Smyth has also withdrawn from the squad, forcing O’Neill to call up younger players and those who haven’t featured regularly in recent campaigns. Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley, however, is expected to be available after missing his club’s opening fixtures through injury.
The visitors will be buoyed by their commanding 3-1 victory over Luxembourg, with O’Neill praising his team’s ability to “punch above their weight” when representing their country. Bolton captain Eoin Toal returns to strengthen the defensive options, while experienced players like Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Ali McCann provide crucial leadership in what is a relatively young squad.
Possible Northern Ireland starting XI: Peacock-Farrell; Hume, McNair, Toal; Galbraith, Saville, Shea Charles; Charles, Price, Reid.
The qualifier starts at 7:45pm BST on Sunday, 7th September.
UK viewers and fans can watch on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.