Germany, France, and Belgium Stay on Track for World Cup Qualification

Berlin – Nick Woltemade’s first international goal helped Germany continue their march toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Belfast.

Northern Ireland, buoyed by their recent win over Slovakia, started confidently but were forced into a change with Conor Bradley suspended. Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann named an unchanged side following their 4-0 triumph against Luxembourg.

The hosts thought they had an early breakthrough when Paddy McNair bundled the ball over the line, but VAR intervened to rule the effort offside. Germany gradually took control, and after Aleksandar Pavlovic tested the keeper from range, Woltemade broke the deadlock in the 31st minute by heading home a David Raum corner.

After the interval, Serge Gnabry nearly doubled Germany’s advantage following a dazzling solo run, while Northern Ireland pressed for an equalizer. German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann was called into action multiple times, producing key saves to deny Shea Charles, Ethan Galbraith, and substitute Callum Marshall in the closing stages.

With the victory, Germany remain top of Group A—level on points with Slovakia but ahead on goal difference. Nagelsmann’s men now face an away trip to Luxembourg before hosting Slovakia in Leipzig next month.

“It wasn’t the prettiest win, but we’ve been working hard on set pieces and got our reward,” said Nagelsmann. “Adeyemi could’ve made it 2-0, but the important thing is we took the three points.”

Elsewhere in Group A, Slovakia defeated Luxembourg 2-0 to stay neck and neck with Germany in the standings.

In Group D, France missed a chance to clinch direct qualification after being held to a 2-2 draw by Iceland. Ukraine edged Azerbaijan 2-1, remaining just three points behind France.

Meanwhile in Group J, Kevin De Bruyne netted twice from the penalty spot as Belgium overpowered Wales 4-2, maintaining their lead while Wales face the prospect of a playoff. North Macedonia and Kazakhstan played out a 1-1 draw, leaving the Macedonians second in the group.

In Group B, Kosovo pulled off a surprise 1-0 win over Sweden, while Switzerland held Slovenia to a goalless draw to remain unbeaten.

With inputs from IANS