NI ‘more prepared’ for biggest games – Bradley

2026 World Cup qualifiers: Northern Ireland v Slovakia; Northern Ireland v Germany

Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast Dates: Friday, 10 October & Monday, 13 October Kick-off: 19:45 BST

Conor Bradley says Northern Ireland are “more prepared” for big qualifiers as the squad grows with experience.

Northern Ireland take on Slovakia on Friday and Germany on Monday in a Windsor Park double-header in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The battle for top spot in Group A and automatic qualification is wide open after Slovakia stunned Germany in their opener, while Michael O’Neill’s young side beat Luxembourg and lost to the Germans in Cologne.

Victory over Slovakia, who won a dramatic Euro 2020 play-off in Belfast, on Friday would keep Northern Ireland in contention for first place in the group.

“Windsor Park will probably be at its best over the two games so we have to manage the expectations of that,” said Liverpool defender Bradley.

“I’ve a lot of faith in the team. We have a really good group of players

“We feel more prepared than we did for the last Euros campaign. We’ve a bit more experience now and hopefully that will help us.”

Bradley said Slovakia’s win over Germany in their opening game showed that Friday’s opponents must be respected.

Germany responded with a 3-1 win over NI, who matched the European heavyweights for most of the game before a quickfire double from the hosts in September.

“I was surprised they beat Germany, I think everyone was,” he said.

“Germany are a top team and not many sides have beaten them in the last few years.