Germany take the stage: XI confirmed vs Côte d'Ivoire

The starting XIs have been confirmed for Germany and Côte d'Ivoire in 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E. Both managers' choices are now clear ahead of the game at BMO Field in Toronto.

Julian Nagelsmann largely stuck with the team that beat Curaçao 7-1, keeping the 4-2-3-1 shape. Neuer is in goal, with captain Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck and Brown in defence. Pavlović and Nmecha form the double pivot, with Sané, Musiala and Wirtz behind lone striker Havertz. A notable detail is Leroy Sané starting on the right rather than the left. Experienced names such as Rüdiger and Undav are in the squad but start on the bench, while Leon Goretzka is out with a thigh injury.

For Côte d'Ivoire, manager Emerse Faé again opted for the 4-4-2 he used in the dramatic late 1-0 win over Ecuador. Yahia Fofana is in goal, with Singo, Kossounou, Agbadou and Konan across the back. Captain Franck Kessié, Seko Fofana, Ibrahim Sangaré and Yann Diomande line up in midfield, while up front it is not match-winner Amad Diallo but Inao Oulai and Bonny who start. The positioning of players like Singo and Diallo gives Faé flexibility depending on how the game unfolds.

Both teams are chasing a second win of the tournament. The victor would all but secure passage to the next round.

Starting XIs
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Pavlović, Nmecha; Sané, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz
Côte d'Ivoire (4-4-2): Y. Fofana; Singo, Kossounou, Agbadou, Konan; Inao Oulai, Kessié, S. Fofana, Sangaré, Diomande; Bonny

Image: khelnow.com