Slovakia vs Northern Ireland highlights, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: SVK 1-0 NIR; Latest Bobcek winner seals top-two finish & more related news here

The match starts at 1:15 am IST. The 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifier match between Slovakia and Northern Ireland will be streamed live on the Sony LIV app and website in India. It will be broadcast on Sony Sports Ten 3 SD and HD TV channels in the country.

Check out Slovakia’s lineup for the home game against Northern Ireland:

This is the Northern Ireland lineup:

The match begins in Košice. Slovakia kicked from right to left and Northern Ireland the other way around in the first half. Remember that a top-two finish gets a team into the playoffs, while first place in the group guarantees a spot in the World Cup.

Poland will face the Netherlands at the same time in Group G, with both playoff spots secured following Malta’s 1-0 victory over Finland. However, only one of them will get a direct spot and Holland would become that team if they win tonight.

Dan Ballard is booked in the 23rd minute for a foul on Matus Bero, meaning the centre-back will miss Northern Ireland’s important upcoming match against Luxembourg.

Northern Ireland came close to scoring shortly after a free kick, when Isaac Price’s shot grazed the Slovakia goal, where Dion Charles hovers but can’t find the finishing touch in the 38th minute.

After two minutes of added time, the first half comes to an end with neither team having scored yet. It’s been a close game so far and it could be anyone’s game in the second half.

The players return from the lemon break and the second half begins. Slovakia now attacks from left to right and Northern Ireland in the opposite direction. A single substitution after the restart, when Jamie Reid replaces Dion Charles in the visitors’ half.

Slovakia found the back of the net with a clever low free kick from Lukas Haraslin that went over the wall and over the goalkeeper. But Northern Ireland protests because Milan Skriniar was offside and the referee opts for VAR. The control concludes and the goal is ruled out!

Another apparent goal from Slovakia, another VAR check and another disappointment for the home fans! David Strelec appears to nod during Lukas Haraslin’s free kick, but replays reveal that it actually came from Strelec’s arm. Northern Ireland breathes a sigh of relief.

Germany has taken a 2-0 lead against Luxembourg and is set to beat the minnows, as expected. They will reach 12 points and consolidate their leadership in Group A if that happens. With Slovakia still tied 0-0 with Northern Ireland, they would reach 10 points if the score remains that way in Kosice.

Slovakia unleashed a couple of late substitutions. Tomas Bobcek replaces Norbert Gyomber and Robert Bozenik replaces David Strelec. Meanwhile, eight minutes were added as injury time.

What a drama! Tomas Bobcek, who has just intervened, makes an instant impact when he receives a cross from Laszlo Benes with his left foot. The ball goes into the net in the first minute and Slovakia launches into fervent celebrations, even as Northern Ireland calls for a foul in the run-up to the goal. Another VAR review occurs and this time the goal stands and the celebrations continue in Kosice.

Dan Ballard is booked for the second time late in the match, meaning Northern Ireland finish with 10 men. Shortly after the final whistle sounds and Slovakia, thanks to a 1-0 victory, confirms its place among the top two in Group A. They will now visit Germany in a tempting confrontation for first place and, therefore, a direct place in the World Cup. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland takes third place in the group and places itself in the fourth pot of the playoffs.