Germany and Ivory Coast Lineups: Nagelsmann Sticks with Winning Formula

After a resounding 7-1 victory over debutants Curaçao, Germany faces a much tougher test tonight in their second 2026 World Cup match. The *Mannschaft* takes on Ivory Coast, who secured a late 1-0 win against Ecuador in their opening fixture. The Group E clash will be held at BMO Field in Toronto, kicking off at 4:00 PM ET.

Germany enters this encounter on an impressive run of 10 consecutive victories, a streak that began in September 2025. In nine of these matches, Julian Nagelsmann's side scored two or more goals. However, the *Mannschaft* has conceded in four of their last five games and hasn't kept a clean sheet in their last seven World Cup matches. Their last shutout dates back to the 2014 final against Argentina.

Having missed out on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Ivory Coast earned three points in their first match of this summer's tournament, snatching a late victory over Ecuador. Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute, after Ecuador had hit the woodwork multiple times.

You can watch the live broadcast of this match on bnt.sportal.bg, which is streaming all 104 games of the 2026 World Cup.

The two teams have met only once before, in a 2009 friendly that ended in a 2-2 draw after a late equalizer from Lukas Podolski. The "Elephants" have won just one of their previous four World Cup matches against European opponents (1 draw, 2 losses), while Germany has been defeated by an African nation on the world stage only once (5 draws, 2 losses).

Julian Nagelsmann has made no changes to his squad following the goal-fest against minnows Curaçao in their 7-1 opening match. Kai Havertz once again leads the attack, supported by Florian Wirtz on the left wing, Jamal Musiala in the number ten role, and Leroy Sané on the right. Alexander Pavlovic and Felix Nmecha anchor the midfield. Veteran Manuel Neuer is in goal again, making history today as he becomes the goalkeeper with the most World Cup appearances – 21.

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé has made several changes from the side that secured a late victory over Ecuador. The "Elephants" will line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with goalscorer Amad Diallo starting on the right flank in place of Nicolas Pépé. Highly sought-after talent Yann Diomande has been moved to the left. Striker Elye Wahi, who experienced visa issues, has been benched and replaced by Ange-Yoan Boni. In midfield, Ibrahim Sangaré starts instead of Seko Fofana, partnering Franck Kessié. Another new face in the squad is Trabzonspor midfielder Christ Inaou Oulai.