The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign is ushering in a high-stakes European double-header on Monday, October 13th, 2025. Northern Ireland is hosting a table-leading Germany in Windsor Park in the first game, where the hosts are looking to pull off a mammoth upset. Immediately afterward, Slovenia plays host to an invincible Switzerland in a match that will virtually seal the Swiss' automatic qualification spot.

These are defining games, testing the mettle of the underdogs' power and the favorites' mindset as qualifying approaches its halfway point.

• Date: 13th October 2025

• Kick-off Time: 18:45 UTC

• Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast

After losing to Germany last month, Northern Ireland is feeling more confident going into the game.

• Form: Northern Ireland has won three of its last four international matches (W-L-W-W), including a very important 2-0 home win over Slovakia in their last qualifying match.

• Home Fortress: The hosts haven't lost at home since October 2023 (W6, D1), so there's a chance they could pull off an upset against the Germans, who are the favorites.

• Targets Hoped For: Six of Northern Ireland's last eight internationals have been goal-scoring encounters, which suggests they are able to fashion opportunities even off better sides.

Germany is lacking in consistency under manager Julian Nagelsmann but remains best placed for qualification.

• Form: Germany recovered from a shock early-season loss to Slovakia with wins in their last two qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

• Recent Form: They beat 10-man Luxembourg 4-0 in their last outing, but the performance was lackluster. They followed that up with a 3-1 win at home against Northern Ireland in September.

• Goal Sequence: There has been a goal in both halves of each of Germany's last four games, and they have scored exactly four goals in three of their last four WCQ games on the road.

Germany completely dominates the historic competition, and this leaves a massive psychological barrier for the hosts to overcome.

• Unbeaten Run: Germany have won their last 10 encounters with Northern Ireland, a run that dates back to 1983.

• Windsor Park Record: Germany have won all three of their Windsor Park visits this century, with a combined margin of 9-2.

Injuries & Suspensions: Northern Ireland skipper Conor Bradley is out suspended for this make-or-break game. Goalkeeper Pierce Charles and defender Daniel Ballard is also out. Forward Isaac Price is a player to note, scoring in four consecutive international games at Windsor Park. Germany has no reported major new missing players. Joshua Kimmich is a player to note, with 10 international goals for his nation, including one in Belfast in 2017.

Northern Ireland Predicted XI (3-4-3):

Peacock-Farrell, Hume, McNair, Toal, S. Charles, McCann, J. Thompson, McMenamin, Whyte, Lavery, Price.

Germany Predicted XI (4-3-3):

Ter Stegen, Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, Raum, Goretzka, Gündoğan, Musiala, Havertz, Sané, Füllkrug.

• Northern Ireland's Low Block vs. Germany's High Press: Northern Ireland will park the bus deep in a narrow 4-1-4-1 or 3-4-3 formation, hoping to rile up Germany with their polished attack.

• Kimmich vs. Conor Bradley's Absence: Joshua Kimmich's fight for midfield control will be a major factor, capitalizing on the absence of the hosts' star Conor Bradley.

• The Set Piece Factor: With little attacking quality to choose from, set pieces and counterattacks are Northern Ireland's best chance of scoring.

• Date: Monday, October 13th, 2025

• Kick-off Time: 18:45 UTC (20:45 CEST)

• Venue: Stadion Stožice, Ljubljana

• Competition: World Cup Qualifying – Europe (Matchday 8)

Slovenia desperately requires points if they are to remain in contention for the World Cup.

• Form: Presently 3rd in Group B with only two points (D2, L1). Recent form is D-L-D-W-W.

• Recent Draw: They played their latest match 0-0 away at Kosovo, a defensive-minded performance but not one in which they gave a lot of attention to the attack.

• Home Form: Slovenia possess a surprisingly robust home form, one that they will call upon to gain an important victory.

Switzerland have dominated qualifying, comfortably perched at the top of the group.

• Form: Switzerland possess a flawless record in the qualifying campaign, winning their first three games. Their current form stands at W-W-W-W-W.

• Statistical Supremacy: They scored nine goals and have conceded none, revealing their defensive solidity and clinical attacking prowess.

• Road Warriors: Switzerland are surfing an almighty wave of momentum after their recent 2-0 away win in Sweden.

The contest is locked out, but in the past Switzerland has the upper hand.

Recent Trend: Switzerland thrashed Slovenia 3-0 in the reverse fixture in September 2025, with all three goals coming in the first half.

Slovenia Injuries/Suspensions: Captain Jan Oblak is set to make history this Monday as he is set to become the joint-most capped shot-stopper in the history of his country. The lead attacker is Benjamin Šeško. Midfielder Jon Gorenc Stanković is out.

Switzerland Injuries/Suspensions: Switzerland will be losing main men, Denis Zakaria, Michel Aebischer, and Ardon Jashari.

Slovenia Predicted XI (4-3-3):

• Oblak, Karničnik, Brekalo, Bijol, Janža, Lovrić, Gnezda Čerin, Elšnik, Šporar, Šeško, Mlakar.

Switzerland Predicted XI (4-3-3):

• Kobel, Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez, Xhaka, Freuler, Sow, Vargas, Embolo, Ndoye.

Winner Odds:

Win Probability for the Northern Ireland and Germany Match:

Win Probability for Slovenia and Switzerland Match:

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The favorite will be Germany. With their present form, combined with their historical record against Northern Ireland (10 match unbeaten run), their strength is too much to ignore. Northern Ireland will fight hard at home, but Germany's lethal forward line and the experience of the likes of Kimmich will ensure that they return home with a crucial three points.

• Final Score Prediction: Germany 3 - 1 Northern Ireland

The hosts have poor form and lack psychological strength, aided by poor performance. Despite the home advantage, there has been the hosts' inability to score and the recent 3-0 loss to the Swiss, which shows they will struggle to keep the visitors at bay. We anticipate Switzerland's clinical finishing and tight shape to be out of reach for the hosts.

• Final Score Prediction: Switzerland 2 - 0 Slovenia

Both of these World Cup qualifiers have plenty to play for at the top and bottom of the table. Both Germany and Switzerland must win if they are to keep their ambitions for the summit of the group alive. All is ready for a thrilling day of world-class football and drama.