The pressure is rising as Slovakia vs Northern Ireland in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup UEFA Qualifier at the Košická Futbalová Aréna. With both nations fighting to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive, this match carries far more weight than a routine group fixture.
Slovakia will look to make home advantage count in front of a loud Košice crowd, while Northern Ireland arrive determined to take something from a tough away trip.
Both teams have shown moments of real quality this campaign but have struggled to find the consistency needed to feel safe in the standings.
Slovakia will look for control and creativity in midfield, while Northern Ireland depend on strong defending and quick counters to get the job done. With the pressure to qualify building every week, this match could be a turning point for both.
Slovakia vs Northern Ireland World Cup – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
This UEFA World Cup 2026 qualifier pits Slovakia’s disciplined setup against Northern Ireland’s counter-threat in a Group A decider.
In the November qualification Window started on Thursday at 11:45 AM ET (4:45 PM GMT / 5:45 PM CET) at Košická Futbalová Aréna. USA and Canada fans, midday viewing; Australians, early evening Friday.
Team News and Analysis
Slovakia’s strong start—9 points, 2nd behind Germany—relies on home form (unbeaten in 7, 5 wins), but Lobotka’s adductor injury (out until Nov 10, borderline for the match) disrupts the midfield.
Peter Pekarík (shoulder) out; full squad otherwise, Milan Škriniar (captain, 90% pass accuracy) anchoring defense. Francesco Calzona’s 4-3-3 averages 55% possession, forcing 11 turnovers per qualifier—set to exploit NI’s gaps.
Northern Ireland’s campaign, sitting third with 3 points, rests heavily on October’s win over Luxembourg. Still, the injury list keeps growing: Shea Charles (hamstring) and Ali McCann (arm fracture) are out, Ethan Galbraith is suspended, and Brodie Spencer is sidelined.
Michael O’Neill’s 5-4-1 setup averages 0.8 goals on the road but concedes 1.5, though Conor Bradley returns at right-back for Liverpool and keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell remains reliable with three clean sheets.
Slovakia vs Northern Ireland Head-to-Head Record
The two teams have met 5 times previously: Slovakia have won 3, Northern Ireland have won 1 and there has been 1 draw.
In their most recent meeting, Northern Ireland beat Slovakia 2-0 away in Belfast.
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 10, 2025 | World Cup Qualifier | Northern Ireland vs Slovakia | 2–0 |
| Nov 12, 2020 | Euro 2020 Qualification Playoff Final | Northern Ireland vs Slovakia | 1–2 (AET) |
| Sep 6, 2012 | Friendly | Slovakia vs Northern Ireland | 0–0 |
| Sep 6, 2008 | World Cup Qualifier | Slovakia vs Northern Ireland | 2–1 |
| Mar 25, 1998 | Friendly | Northern Ireland vs Slovakia | 1–0 |
Slovakia vs Northern Ireland Predicted XI Lineups
- Slovakia (4-3-3): Dúbravka; Gyömbér, Škriniar, Obert, Hancko; Rigo, Hrošovský, Duda; Ďuriš, Haraslín, Strelec.
- Northern Ireland (5-4-1): Peacock-Farrell; Hume, Ballard, McNair, Bradley, Price; Saville, Devenny, Lewis, Marshall; Reid.
Key Players
- Slovakia: Milan Škriniar – Captain’s composure (90% pass accuracy, 2.1 interceptions/game) anchors defense; his leadership vs. NI’s counters is pivotal.
- Northern Ireland: Conor Bradley – Liverpool RB’s dynamism (2 assists, 2.5 dribbles/game) drives right flank; return boosts NI’s attack.
Match Prediction Slovakia vs Northern Ireland
Slovakia’s home discipline and Škriniar’s steel outlast Northern Ireland’s resolve in a qualifier grinder, securing a clean-sheet win via second-half control and set-piece execution. Green and White fight back, but Falcons prevail.
- Predicted score: Slovakia 2-0 Northern Ireland.
Where to Watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland in US, Canada, Australia, and Europe
Stream Slovakia vs Northern Ireland live with these World Cup qualifier options:
- USA: ViX+, fuboTV, FOX Sports. Starts 11:45 AM ET.
- Canada: OneSoccer. 11:45 AM ET.
- Australia: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video. Begins 2:45 AM AEDT (Nov 15).
- Europe: BBC iPlayer (UK, free); Sky Sports highlights; beIN Sports (France/Spain), DAZN (Germany/Italy).