How to watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland: 2026 World Cup Qualifier, free streams, TV channels, preview

Daniel Ballard of Northern Ireland celebrates scoring a goal which was later ruled out for offside during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Northern Ireland and Germany at Windsor Park on October 13, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
(Image credit: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Slovakia vs Northern Ireland promises to be a thrilling clash, with both sides fighting for a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The home side currently hold the upper hand over their Northern Irish counterparts, with Francesco Calzona’s team sitting second in the group, level on points with Germany. Their impressive victory over Die Mannschaft in September has them well positioned, and had they not fallen to defeat in Belfast last month, they would already have secured at least a play-off spot. Instead, they now face what can only be described as a six-pointer, with the winner likely to lock down second place.

For Northern Ireland, the equation is simple: a loss means elimination, while a draw or a win keeps their hopes alive heading into their final match against Luxembourg. Michael O’Neill’s men still have a strong chance, but three points will make sure that it is in their hands. Can Dan Ballard, Trai Hume and Connor Bradley inspire them to a famous win in Kosice?

Can you watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland for free?

Soccer fans from Britain or the United States can watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland for free.

In the UK, BBC Three via BBC iPlayer will be showing the action. All you need is an account with a valid UK postcode (e.g. SE1 7PB).

In the US, Fubo Sports Network have selected this as a free-to-air game with no account required.

Outside of Blighty or the US this Friday? You can use a VPN if you're away from home right now and tune into all the action.

Use a VPN to watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland live streams

Outside of your country and unable to view your usual Slovakia vs Northern Ireland stream because of geo-blocks.

No need to panic, this is where a VPN becomes your right-hand man. A VPN allows you to appear as though you're still at home from anywhere in the world, meaning you don't have to miss out because of geo-blockers. We recommend NordVPN, it's the best on the market. Nord is undoubtedly the best way to unlock your stream of Slovakia vs Northern Ireland.

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<p><em><strong>✅ 75% Off Today<br /><em><strong>✅ 3 Months Extra Free<br /><em><strong>✅ Unlocks <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/guide/bbcthree/20251114" target="_blank"><em><strong>BBC iPlayer<p><strong>Get NordVPN and stream Slovakia vs Northern Ireland.

It's really straightforward and easy to use a VPN to watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For example, if you want to watch BBC iPlayer's stream of Slovakia vs Northern Ireland this Friday, select 'United Kingdom' from the listed countries.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to BBC iPlayer and enjoy this epic clash in Group A as if you were at home.

How to watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland live streams in the USA

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As alluded to earlier, Fubo Sports Network will be broadcasting Slovakia vs Northern Ireland completely free in the US.

Outside of the US this Friday? Use a VPN whilst you're travelling away from home and don't miss any of the action.

How to watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland live streams in the UK

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As mentioned earlier, BBC Three will be showing Slovakia vs Northern Ireland and you can stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

Travelling away from the UK right now? Use a VPN to access BBC's coverage from across the globe.

How to watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland live streams in Canada

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For soccer fans in the Great White North, DAZN is the place to go for Slovakia vs Northern Ireland.

Packages start at CA$24.99/month with Champions League, Europa League and EFL action all included as well.

Make sure to use NordVPN to access your DAZN account from anywhere in the world.

How to watch Slovakia vs Northern Ireland live streams in Australia

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(Image credit: free)

Stan Sport are broadcasting Slovakia vs Northern Ireland in Australia.

Stan Sport's subscriptions cost AU$20/month on top of a Stan subscription, which starts at AU$12/month.

Outside of Oz right now? Use a VPN to login to your Stan Sport account and stream this fixture live from anywhere in the world.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Jacob is a journalist and editor based in the UK. He studied Specialist Sports Journalism at the University of Derby, graduating with First-Class Honours. He has contributed articles to Football League World and previously worked at Yeovil Town Football Club. Jacob’s expertise spans streaming services and sports, with a particular passion for football, cricket, and rugby union.

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