Another round of competition began in Group A of the European zone of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Germany, playing away, defeated Northern Ireland 1-0 after Waltermade scored.

Eight minutes into the match, Germany's attack was cleared, and Wirtz volleyed the ball in the penalty area, but the ball went over the goal. In the 14th minute, Northern Ireland counterattacked with a free kick, and Daniel Ballard scored in the melee, but the goal was ruled out because his teammate was offside.

In the 21st minute, Wirtz dealt with a defensive pass and Pavlovic at the top of the penalty area took the ball and shot it in from distance, but the ball went over the post. In the 28th minute, Schlotterbeck was brought down by Northern Ireland striker Jamie Reid while vying for the ball, and the referee showed Jamie Reid a yellow card.

In the 32nd minute, David Raum took a corner kick, Waltermade jumped up and headed the ball, and the ball hit the post and bounced into the net, helping Germany take the lead 1-0.

In the 45th minute, Northern Ireland created an offensive opportunity. Jamie Reid took the pass from his teammate and shot hard, but the ball was kicked away.

Germany took the initiative early in the second half. Wirtz sent a through ball, and Adeyemi followed up with a shot into the penalty area, but it went wide. In the 61st minute, Germany made a mistake in passing. Ethan Gebres took possession of the ball and shot against the defense, but the ball went wide.

In the 64th minute, Germany replaced Adeyemi with Bayer. In the 70th minute, Gnabry took a through ball from Goretzka and took a few steps before shooting, but Northern Ireland goalkeeper Peacock-Farrell immediately flew to save the ball.

In the 85th minute, Ethan Gebres received a cross from his teammate near the edge of the penalty area and shot from long range, but it was not a threat. In the 86th minute, Germany replaced Pavlovic with Andrich and Wirtz with Valmaden Anton.

In the 90th minute, Northern Ireland tried to counterattack. Callum Marshall took the diagonal pass and shot. German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann fell to the ground and took the ball.

In the end, Germany defeated Northern Ireland 1-0 away. After achieving three consecutive victories, Germany currently ranks first in the Group A standings with 9 points.