Northern Ireland suffer late defeat in Slovakia but clinch World Cup play-off

Tomas Bobcek’s stoppage-time goal ended Northern Ireland’s hopes of making it out of World Cup qualifying Group A but they came away from a 1-0 loss in Slovakia assured of a play-off place regardless.

Debutant Bobcek had only been on the pitch for three minutes in when he fired in from Laszlo Benes’ corner in the first of eight minutes added on, and the goal stood despite Northern Ireland appeals for a foul after Daniel Ballard had gone down in the build-up.

Slovakia had already seen second-half strikes from Lukas Haraslin and David Strelec chalked off but this time it stood to spark wild celebrations as the home bench emptied.

It's all over in Slovakia. pic.twitter.com/hiL9ydISqY

— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) November 14, 2025

Northern Ireland, missing four of the players who started last month against Germany, battled hard for 90 minutes but Slovakia held the edge and will go to Leipzig on Monday with a chance to top the group if they can beat Germany.

Northern Ireland’s misery was completed by a second yellow card for Ballard in the dying moments, but Croatia’s 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands means they will be in the play-offs in March having won their Nations League group.

With Shea Charles, Ali McCann, Brodie Spencer and Ethan Galbraith missing through injury and suspension, Michael O’Neill brought in Brad Lyons, Ruairi McConville, George Saville and the returning Conor Bradley, while Dion Charles started up front.

Slovakia, boosted by the returns of Stanislav Lobotka and David Hancko, immediately tried to get at this weakened Northern Ireland side in a reverse of their 2-0 defeat in Belfast last month, but after a shaky start the visitors grew into the game.

Northern Ireland should have led 17 minutes in