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 Pavlovic'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.