Northern Ireland vs Slovakia Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (UEFA)

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Northern Ireland have put in a couple of good performances thus far and could put the pressure on Germany with a victory over the Slovakians at Windsor Park in Belfast.

Kick-off date/time: 10 October 2025 at 7:45 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – BBC / US – FOX Sports

How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer / US – Disney+

Key stats

• Northern Ireland have lost only two of their last ten World Cup qualifying matches at home (W5 D3).
• Northern Ireland have kept eight clean sheets in last ten World Cup qualifying matches at home.
• Slovakia have won the previous three competitive international matches between these teams (excludes friendly matches).
• Slovakia have lost only two of their last 13 World Cup qualifying matches (W6 D5). They have won the three most recent without conceding a goal.

Northern Ireland vs Slovakia prediction

Northern Ireland come into this one on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Germany in a game in which the Green and White Army were unfortunate to lose. That came a few days after they managed to defeat Luxembourg by three goals to one, courtesy of goals from Jamie Reid, Shea Charles and Justin Devenny.

They now face a Slovakia side that started their UEFA qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive performance to defeat Germany by two goals to nil before Francesco Calzona’s side then backed that up with a last-gasp and perhaps fortunate 1-0 win away to Luxembourg.

Northern Ireland will get on the front foot for the opening stages with home advantage, but Slovakia are a strong side and both teams scoring would seem a good bet here.

Northern Ireland vs Slovakia tip: Both teams to score