Germany held their nerve to remain top of Group A in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, grinding out a 1-0 victory over a spirited Northern Ireland side at Windsor Park. It wasn’t a performance to remember from Julian Nagelsmann’s men, but it was one that underlined their growing consistency, coming just days after a dominant 4-0 win over Luxembourg, Softfootball reports
Northern Ireland entered the clash full of belief after three wins from their last four internationals, and Michael O’Neill’s side nearly stunned the visitors early on. Paddy McNair thought he had put the Green and White Army ahead, only for VAR to rule his effort out for offside , a decision that drew displeasures around the ground. Germany responded with purpose, led by Florian Wirtz’s creative spark and Aleksandar Pavlović’s energetic midfield play.
Their persistence paid off around the half-hour mark when David Raum’s corner glanced off Nick Woltemade, the €90m summer signing for Newcastle United, and rolled into the net an awkward but priceless first international goal for the 22-year-old striker.
The hosts had their moments, though. Jamie Reid missed a golden chance just before halftime, blasting over from close range when it seemed easier to score. That scare prompted Germany to tighten their grip in the second half, with Karim Adeyemi curling narrowly wide and Serge Gnabry forcing Bailey Peacock-Farrell into a sharp save.
Yet despite Die Nationalelf’s territorial control, Northern Ireland never gave up the chase. Ethan Galbraith’s long-range strike fizzed inches over, and substitute Callum Marshall saw his late effort smothered by Oliver Baumann as Germany clung to their slim lead.
After the game ended , Germany via its official X handle, posted exclusive photos of the team thanking the fans for seeing them through the game as their 12th man and the victory, They posted;
In the end, it wasn’t about flair, it was about finding a way. Germany’s 11th straight win over Northern Ireland keeps their World Cup qualifying record perfect, while extending a four-match unbeaten run across all competitions. For O’Neill’s men, the effort and energy were there, but so was the familiar heartbreak of coming close and leaving empty-handed.
