Nick Woltemade helped Germany take another step towards the World Cup.
• Last Update: October 13, 2025 09:37:57 pm BST • 1 min read

Nick Woltemade scored his first goal for Germany as they put themselves in a strong position to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland.
Germany had started their campaign with a first ever away defeat in World Cup qualifying, 2-0 defeat to Slovakia, in September. However, they subsequently bounced back with home wins over Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.
A trip to Belfast promised to be a more difficult assignment, especially after Northern Ireland’s 2-0 win against Slovakia, but Germany came through it as Newcastle United striker Woltemade continued his fine run of recent form.
Woltemade, who has four goals in seven games for the Magpies since joining them in August, headed home his first senior Germany goal from David Raum’s corner, and that proved to be enough despite a spirited showing from Northern Ireland.
Germany are top of Group A on goal difference, with Northern Ireland three points behind second-placed Slovakia, who claimed a home win versus Luxembourg.