Germany vs Ivory Coast — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Germany's second Group E outing is a far sterner test: African champions Ivory Coast, who pose exactly the kind of athletic, front-foot threat that has troubled the Germans in recent tournaments. Julian Nagelsmann's side, led by the Musiala-Wirtz axis, will want to assert control early; Emerse Fae's Ivorians bring power, pace and the confidence of continental winners.
Germany will dominate the ball and probe through their gifted attacking midfielders; Ivory Coast will press in bursts, win duels and look to get Simon Adingra and Amad Diallo running in transition. The physical match-up in midfield could define the rhythm.
Expect Germany to control and Ivory Coast to threaten on the break. The Germans' technical superiority makes them favourites, but the Ivorians are well capable of turning this into an uncomfortable evening.
Key storylines
- 01A real test: Ivory Coast's athleticism is the kind that has troubled Germany.
- 02Musiala and Wirtz must unlock a physical, confident defence.
- 03African champions Ivory Coast carry genuine belief.
- 04The midfield duel could set the tempo of the whole game.
- 05Germany chasing the points that calm a redemption campaign.
Prediction
Germany's quality to edge a physical test. Friendly call: Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast.
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Germany
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK)
- 2Joshua Kimmich
- 3Jonathan Tah
- 4Antonio Rüdiger
- 5David Raum
- 6Aleksandar Pavlovic
- 7Leon Goretzka
- 8Florian Wirtz
- 9Jamal Musiala
- 10Leroy Sane
- 11Kai Havertz
Ivory Coast
Formation 4-3-3- 1Yahia Fofana (GK)
- 2Wilfried Singo
- 3Odilon Kossounou
- 4Evan Ndicka
- 5Ghislain Konan
- 6Franck Kessie
- 7Ibrahim Sangare
- 8Seko Fofana
- 9Amad Diallo
- 10Sebastien Haller
- 11Simon Adingra
Team news
Germany
- Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz are Germany's creative engine.
- Joshua Kimmich leads and organises the side.
- Germany must match Ivory Coast's physicality in midfield.
Ivory Coast
- Franck Kessie brings power and leadership to midfield.
- Adingra and Amad are dangerous in transition.
- Ivory Coast carry the belief of African champions.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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