Michael O’Neill hoping football ‘throws up more surprises’ as Northern Ireland look for a bonus against favourites Germany

Northern Ireland kick-off their 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month away to Luxembourg and Germany

Michael O’Neill insists that while Germany are favourites to top their World Cup qualifying group, “football has a way of throwing up surprises”.

Northern Ireland take on the Germans in Cologne in the second game of an away double-header as kick-off Group A against Luxembourg next month.

With Slovakia making up the group of four O’Neill is targeting maximum points at Windsor Park, but he said anything they can take away from home, especially against Germany, will be “a real bonus”.

“No, you can’t take that attitude into the tournament,” said O’Neill when asked if it was a given that Germany would top the group.

“Obviously they are strong favourites to win the group, as they would be in any group they play in, let’s be honest.

“Football has a way of throwing up surprises. We recognise the fixtures and we know we’ll need to take points.

“When you play the top nations, the Pot One nations – particularly away from home – anything you can take in those games is a real bonus.

“Equally, when we play here at home we have to believe that we’re capable of winning all our home games. If you can win your three home games it can put you in a strong position.”