Germany will be looking for another victory at the 2026 World Cup when they meet Ivory Coast on Saturday 20th June at 9pm (UK time).
Germany made the statement of the opening day, putting seven past debutants Curaçao in Houston – their biggest World Cup winning margin since their famous 7-1 destruction of Brazil in 2014. Kai Havertz scored twice, with Jamal Musiala registering too, and Nagelsmann’s side go into Saturday’s game looking to seal their knockout-stage place with a game to spare.
Ivory Coast secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Ecuador in Philadelphia, with Amad Diallo slotting home a stoppage-time winner to silence a side many neutrals had tipped to push Germany in this group. It was a composed, disciplined display that showcased exactly the defensive resilience Faé has built. They arrive in Toronto knowing a positive result could deliver the biggest moment in their World Cup history.
The only previous meeting between these two nations ended in a 2-2 draw in 2009. With that match being a friendly, this will be the first competitive meeting between Germany and Ivory Cost.
- Bet £10 get £30
- Excellent Football Betting Options
- Extensive Bet-Builder
- Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker
New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.
Germany vs Ivory Coast team news
Germany team news
Julian Nagelsmann faces some interesting selection dilemmas following their 7-1 demolition of Curacao, and supporters will be demanding consistency. He might well just stick with what worked.
The primary decision lies in attack, as Leroy Sane failed to make a significant impact on the right flank. Deniz Undav could come in to replace him, after scoring and assisting twice from the bench against Curacao. Another tweak might see Kai Havertz drop deeper, though the Arsenal man could also lead the line.
Jamal Musiala was substituted with a minor thigh issue but should retain his starting spot, with Florian Wirtz on the opposite side.
The defensive unit is expected to stay unchanged, however. Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck are the preferred centre-back duo, with Joshua Kimmich and Nathaniel Brown favoured on the right and left, respectively. Manuel Neuer will start in goal.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets with Bet365
Not signed up to bet365 yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...
- Open an account (here's a link)
- Make a qualifying deposit of between £5* and £10*
- Claim the offer to receive three times your deposit in 'Free Bets'.
- To release your 'Free Bets', place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit and allow those bets to settle.
- Your 'Free Bets' will become available shortly after your qualifying bets have settled
- To use your 'Free Bets', select 'Use bet credits' in the bet slip.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Ivory Coast team news
Emerse Fae earned plaudits for his tactical setup against Ecuador, and fans will be hoping for a similar display. He could deliver exactly that.
The biggest change will be in attack, as Elye Wahi has been ruled out of the clash. Amad Diallo could come in to replace him, after scoring the 90th-minute winner off the bench against Ecuador.
Oumar Diakite didn’t start against Ecuador and is unlikely to start here, with Diallo the more likely option. Fae has another tough call to make in defence. While Odilon Kossounou is fit to start, Evan Ndicka missed the opener through injury. Emmanuel Agbadou started in his absence against Ecuador, and may keep his place ahead of him alongside Singo.
The midfield is likely to remain the same, though. Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana are the established midfield pairing, with Yan Diomane favoured in the wide areas. Yahia Fofana will start in goal.
Germany vs Ivory Coast predicted lineups
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Pavlović, Nmecha; Musiala, Havertz, Wirtz; Undav.
Ivory Coast (4-4-2): Y. Fofana; Doué, Agbadou, Singo, Konan; Diomande, Kessie, S. Fofana, Toure; Pepe, Diallo.
Read more: