Northern Ireland and Slovakia are set to clash in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match at Windsor Park in Belfast on Friday, October 10, 2025. Both teams are aiming to build on their strong starts in Group A.
How to Watch
For fans in the UK, the match will be broadcast live on BBC Two and BBC One Northern Ireland. Streaming options are also available via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. The coverage begins at 7:30 PM BST, with the game kicking off at 7:45 PM BST. Radio coverage will be available on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle, accessible through DAB radio, TV packages, the BBC website, or the BBC Sounds app.
Form and Team News
Slovakia currently tops Group A after an impressive upset against Germany. Northern Ireland holds second place after a promising start to the qualifiers.
Michael O'Neill's squad is boosted by the return of several key players. Veteran forward Josh Magennis is back for the first time since November 2024, bringing valuable experience. Injury returns include Daniel Ballard, Conor Hazard, Brodie Spencer, Ciaron Brown, and Paul Smyth. Rangers winger Ross McCausland has recovered from fitness setbacks. However, Northern Ireland will be without their primary goalkeeper Pierce Charles, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Slovakia will be missing Stanislav Lobotka in midfield. Oxford United defender Ciaron Brown and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles are both unavailable for the hosts.
Northern Ireland has shown formidable form at Windsor Park, remaining unbeaten in their last seven home fixtures, with six wins and a draw. They have also kept clean sheets in seven of their last ten home matches.
Predicted Lineups
Northern Ireland's possible starting XI: Peacock-Farrell; Hume, McNair, Ballard; Bradley, McCann, S. Charles, Devenny; Galbraith, Price; Reid.
Slovakia's possible starting XI: Dubravka; Gyomber, Satka, Skriniar, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Bero; Haraslin, Strelec, Sauer.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Bookmakers are favoring Northern Ireland to win. Odds for a Northern Ireland win are around +148, while Slovakia is at +210, and a draw is at +200.
An Asian Handicap of Northern Ireland 0.0 is offered at -149, providing insurance with money back if the game is drawn.
Many anticipate a low-scoring contest, with Under 2.5 Goals having the shortest odds. The "No" option on the Both Teams to Score (BTTS) market is available at -152.
Head-to-Head
The two sides last met at Windsor Park, where Slovakia secured a Euro 2028 victory in extra time, winning 2-1. In their five previous encounters, Northern Ireland won the first meeting in 1998, but Slovakia has won three of the four matches since, with one draw.
