The top two teams in Group E go head-to-head on Saturday at BMO Field in Toronto as four-time world champions Germany face an ambitious Ivory Coast side in one of the standout fixtures of matchday two at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Both nations began their campaigns with victories and know that another three points would put them in a commanding position to reach the knockout rounds.
Germany produced the most emphatic performance of the opening round, dismantling tournament debutants Curacao 7-1 in Houston. Julian Nagelsmann’s side wasted little time asserting their authority, with Felix Nmecha opening the scoring inside six minutes before a historic Curacao equaliser briefly stunned the Germans.
The response was ruthless. Kai Havertz struck twice, while Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav also found the net as Die Mannschaft underlined their attacking credentials.
The victory continued an impressive run of form for Germany, who have now won 10 consecutive matches in all competitions dating back to September 2025. They have scored at least twice in nine of those victories and look increasingly dangerous going forward.
However, defensive concerns remain. Germany have conceded in four of their last five matches and have not kept a clean sheet in a World Cup fixture since defeating Argentina in the 2014 final.
Ivory Coast also made a winning start, although their route to three points was far more dramatic. Emerse Fae’s side left it late to defeat Ecuador 1-0, with substitute Amad Diallo producing a stunning 90th-minute winner after a resilient defensive display.
The Elephants rode their luck at times, with Ecuador striking the woodwork on three occasions, but the result extended Ivory Coast’s impressive momentum and ended the South Americans’ 19-match unbeaten run.
Having failed to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Ivory Coast are making the most of their return to football’s biggest stage. They have now won four consecutive matches across all competitions and recently defeated France 2-1 in a friendly, highlighting the confidence within the squad.
A positive result against Germany would move the Elephants closer to a historic first appearance in the World Cup knockout stages.
The nations have met only once before, drawing 2-2 in an international friendly in 2009 when Lukas Podolski rescued Germany with a late equaliser.
Germany’s overall World Cup record against African opponents is strong, having lost just once in eight previous encounters, but Ivory Coast will believe they possess enough attacking talent to trouble any defence.
With both teams entering the contest in excellent form, Toronto could witness one of the most entertaining matches of the group stage.
Team News
Julian Nagelsmann may be tempted to reward Deniz Undav with a starting place after the forward scored and provided two assists from the bench against Curacao. However, Germany are expected to retain their exciting attacking quartet of Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz.
Havertz remains a key figure for Die Mannschaft and has now scored at each of the last four major international tournaments. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, aged 40, is expected to continue between the posts behind a defence featuring Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck and Nathaniel Brown.
Ivory Coast have received a boost with Elye Wahi now available after resolving visa issues that initially threatened his participation.
Despite that development, Emerse Fae may stick with the attacking options that impressed in the opening match, although Ange-Yoan Bonny, Oumar Diakite and Evann Guessand are all pushing for opportunities.
Amad Diallo is expected to earn a starting role after scoring the dramatic winner against Ecuador, potentially replacing Nicolas Pepe.
Much attention will also be on highly-rated teenager Yan Diomande, who produced a remarkable all-action display against Ecuador. The Liverpool-linked winger became the first player on record since 1966 to register at least five chances created, five tackles, 11 duels won and 12 touches in the opposition penalty area during a World Cup match.
Possible Lineups
Germany possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Pavlovic, Nmecha; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz
Ivory Coast possible starting lineup:
Y. Fofana; Doue, Singo, Agbadou, Konan; Diallo, Kessie, S. Fofana, Diomande; Bonny, Toure
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 21:00 (WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts Germany 3-1 Ivory Coast.
Germany’s attacking quality was on full display against Curacao, but Ivory Coast represent a far sterner test. The Elephants possess pace, creativity and confidence, particularly in wide areas where Diallo and Diomande can cause problems.
Nevertheless, Germany’s wealth of attacking talent and experience at this level could prove decisive in a closely contested encounter.
