The FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA Group A campaign features a pivotal clash as Slovakia hosts Northern Ireland at the Košická futbalová aréna. This Matchday 5 fixture is crucial for both sides as they battle for a top-two finish in the group, which also includes giants Germany. The Sokolíci (Falcons) sit in second place, tied on points with leaders Germany and holding a three-point advantage over their opponents.
A win for Slovakia here would be a massive step toward securing the play-off spot and setting up a winner-takes-all final match against Germany. Northern Ireland, the Green and White Army, enters the match in third place and must avoid defeat to keep their hopes of a top-two finish alive. Having impressively won the reverse fixture 2-0, Northern Ireland will look to replicate that gritty performance on the road to gain a significant advantage in this high-stakes qualifying race.
Match Details
This midweek match is a crucial fixture in the Group A schedule of the UEFA World Cup qualification tournament.
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA |
| Phase | Group A – Matchday 5 |
| Date | Friday, November 14, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 7:45 PM GMT (8:45 PM CET) |
| Venue | Košická futbalová aréna, Košice, Slovakia |
Team Form and Analysis for Slovakia
World Cup Qualifying Performance and Momentum
Slovakia are currently in 2nd position in Group A with 9 points from four matches. Their qualification record stands at three wins, zero draws, and one loss.
Under manager Francesco Calzona, the Falcons began their campaign with a stunning 2-0 home victory against Germany, a result that immediately made them strong contenders. They followed this with two further victories, including a 1-0 away win and a 2-0 home win against Luxembourg. Their only setback was a 2-0 defeat away to Northern Ireland in the reverse fixture last month. Slovakia boasts a strong home record, being unbeaten in their last eight competitive games as hosts, with a focus on defensive solidity, having kept a clean sheet in each of their last four home matches. Despite missing key midfielder Ondrej Duda due to suspension (if confirmed) and Tomas Suslov, the return of Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka is a huge boost, providing control and quality in the centre of the pitch as they seek a vital home victory.
Key Player: Dávid Hancko
Defender Dávid Hancko has become a crucial player for Slovakia, demonstrating his ability to influence the game at both ends of the pitch. Operating either as a central defender or a full-back, his defensive organization and aerial threat are invaluable. Importantly, Hancko has been a consistent contributor in attack during home qualifiers, having contributed to a goal in each of his last three World Cup qualifiers on home soil. His set-piece delivery and runs from deep will be vital for breaking down the disciplined Northern Ireland defence.
Team Form and Analysis for Northern Ireland
World Cup Qualifying Campaign and Fighting for a Top Spot
Northern Ireland are currently in 3rd position in Group A with 6 points from four matches. Their qualification record stands at two wins, zero draws, and two losses.
Under the experienced guidance of manager Michael O’Neill, the Green and White Army has played themselves into the conversation for a top-two finish. Their campaign has seen two impressive victories: a 3-1 away win against Luxembourg and the memorable 2-0 home victory against Slovakia last month. Their two losses came against Germany (a narrow 3-1 away defeat and a 1-0 home loss). Despite a tough away record (only one win in their last eight away internationals), confidence is high after the win over Slovakia. They will, however, be severely hampered by the suspensions of Ethan Galbraith and key injuries to players like Shea Charles, Ali McCann, and Brodie Spencer, forcing Michael O’Neill to rely on the depth and grit of his remaining squad. Their strategy will rely on maintaining a disciplined shape, minimizing errors, and capitalizing on set-pieces and counter-attacks.
Key Player: Conor Bradley
Right-back Conor Bradley is one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting talents and a vital component of their attacking play. Although suspended for the previous match, his return is a significant boost. Bradley’s relentless energy, attacking runs down the right flank, and capacity for delivering dangerous crosses make him a constant threat. He was instrumental in the first goal of the reverse fixture against Slovakia and his dual role in both defence and attack will be key to providing the width and creativity needed to break down Slovakia’s strong home defence.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The overall head-to-head record is closely contested, with the two sides having a history of tight, competitive matches.
| Metric | Slovakia Wins | Draws | Northern Ireland Wins |
| Total Competitive Meetings | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Recent WCQ Result (Oct 2025) | Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia (H) | ||
| Slovakia’s Home WCQ Record vs NIR | 1 win | 0 draws | 0 losses |
The two nations have met six times overall in competitive fixtures. Slovakia holds a slight edge with three wins, while Northern Ireland has two wins and one draw. The most recent match saw Northern Ireland secure a convincing 2-0 home victory in Belfast, the first time they have beaten Slovakia since 2008. However, in their previous two competitive home fixtures against Northern Ireland, Slovakia has been unbeaten, including a 2-1 win in 2008 and a 1-0 win in the 2020 Euro Play-offs. This history suggests a highly competitive match, with both teams having proven they can secure results against the other.
Players to Watch
Slovakia
- Milan Škriniar (Defender): The experienced captain and central defender is the bedrock of the Slovakian defence. His leadership, tactical reading of the game, and aerial ability are essential for neutralizing Northern Ireland’s physical attacking threats and maintaining Slovakia’s excellent home clean-sheet record.
- David Strelec (Forward): The striker is Slovakia’s top goalscorer in the current qualification campaign. His pace and clinical finishing make him a constant threat. Against a deep-lying defence, Strelec’s movement and sharpness in the box will be crucial for capitalizing on any chances created by the midfield.
Northern Ireland
- Daniel Ballard (Defender): The central defender is a key figure in the Green and White Army‘s three-man defence. His uncompromising tackling, positional sense, and ability to win headers are vital for frustrating the Slovakian attack, particularly David Strelec and others.
- Isaac Price (Midfielder): The young midfielder has been a revelation in the campaign, contributing significantly to both goals and assists. His energy, drive, and eye for a pass in the final third will be essential for Northern Ireland’s limited attacking opportunities.
Prediction
This is a true six-pointer, vital for the play-off picture in Group A. Slovakia’s impressive home form and the return of Stanislav Lobotka give them a definite advantage. However, Northern Ireland is buoyed by their recent 2-0 win over Slovakia and their need for points will drive a resolute performance. Slovakia will dominate possession, but Northern Ireland will be tactically disciplined and dangerous on the counter. The match will likely be tight and low-scoring, decided by a moment of quality or a crucial set-piece. Given Slovakia’s strong home record and Northern Ireland’s injury/suspension list, the home side is slightly favoured to secure the points.
Score Prediction: Slovakia 1-0 Northern Ireland
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This critical FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA match is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In Slovakia, the match is typically broadcast live on RTVS Sport and the associated streaming services.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be available to watch and stream live on BBC Two Northern Ireland and BBC Three, as well as on the BBC iPlayer streaming service.
In the United States (US), the match is typically available to watch and stream live on Fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, and ViX.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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