In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E, two opening winners meet at BMO Field in Toronto on Saturday. Germany know a second group win would guarantee a place in the knockout phase for the first time since winning the trophy 12 years ago.
Four-time champions Germany face a team chasing its own history. Having narrowly beaten Ecuador last time out, Côte d'Ivoire also have the knockouts within reach — a first for the West African nation after routine group-stage exits in every prior appearance.
There's no threat of a repeat of Germany's 7-1 win over Curaçao from almost a week ago, but Julian Nagelsmann's team enter as favourites.
According to SI.com, Curaçao was a potential banana skin for Germany, especially after the disappointment of exiting the last two World Cups at the group stage. So to win, and win big, was an important confidence boost that should serve them well. Côte d'Ivoire are a much higher-calibre opponent — riding high after a dramatic late opening win over Ecuador — and will be far more challenging. Still, Germany's extra quality gives them the decisive edge.
Two notes stand out. First, Germany were not flawless against Curaçao: the island side responded well to falling behind and deserved their equaliser, even if things later fell apart. There is a weakness in this Germany if it can be exploited. Second, Côte d'Ivoire miss chances: even when they create, they aren't necessarily clinical. Both of the two big chances they made against Ecuador were missed.
For Germany, Nagelsmann has no reason to change a winning team; all 26 players are available, with plenty of options off the bench. Deniz Undav got two assists off the bench against Curaçao, but the XI could stay unchanged. For Côte d'Ivoire, Emerse Faé is expected to keep the 4-4-2; it makes sense to reward Amad Diallo with a starting place after his winner. Elye Wahi's belated entry into Canada, amid an investigation, means his less-than-ideal preparation could see someone else start.
SI.com predict 3-1 to Germany.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated
Predicted XIs
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlović; Sané, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz
Côte d'Ivoire (4-4-2): Y. Fofana; Doué, Singo, N'Dicka, Konan; Amad Diallo, Kessié, S. Fofana, Diomande; Pepé, Bonny
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