Germany
Ivory Coast
The top two sides in Group E collide at BMO Field in Toronto in what is genuinely the standout fixture of the round. Germany ran in seven goals against Curaçao to record the biggest win of the tournament so far. Ivory Coast ground out a tense 1-0 win over Ecuador to open their campaign with three points. The two have met only once before — a 2-2 friendly draw back in 2009 — and this rematch carries considerably higher stakes. Win here, and either side takes a commanding position in the group with a game to spare.
Germany — Die Mannschaft
Julian Nagelsmann's side are predicted to stick with the 4-2-3-1 that delivered seven goals against Curaçao, though it was far from a flawless performance — Felix Nmecha's early opener was cancelled out by a historic Curaçao equaliser before Die Mannschaft responded with six unanswered goals. Nathaniel Brown is predicted to retain his place at left-back after a strong individual performance that included a goal, while questions persist over Leroy Sané's continued inclusion — his recent club and international form has been underwhelming, though Nagelsmann continues to trust him in the side.
The predicted front four of Wirtz, Musiala and Sané behind Kai Havertz — who scored twice against Curaçao — represents the most talented attacking unit in this tournament outside of perhaps Spain or France. Musiala in particular was excellent in the opener, finding pockets of space and driving Germany's attacking momentum throughout. The shaky moments in the first half against Curaçao will not have gone unnoticed by Ivory Coast's analysts — Germany's defensive line was occasionally exposed before their attacking quality took over.
Germany have failed to escape the group stage in their last two World Cups — a remarkable statistic for a four-time champion nation. The pressure to deliver a strong group campaign this time is significant, and a win here would go a very long way to settling any remaining nerves.
Ivory Coast — Les Éléphants
Emerse Faé's side are predicted to set up in a 4-3-3, with Yahia Fofana continuing in goal — Lafont remains the back-up option, with Koné third choice. The defensive picture has been complicated by injuries: both Évan Ndicka and Odilon Kossonou are likely to miss out, which is a significant blow to a defence many already considered Ivory Coast's weaker department. Singo is predicted to step into the centre-back role with Agbadou, while Doué moves to right-back to cover the gap. It is a defence considerably weaker than originally anticipated — though it is worth noting the same issue applied against a deeply defensive Ecuador, and they still kept a clean sheet.
In midfield, Sangaré and Kessié are considered the two certainties, with S.Fofana, Touré, Oulai and Seri all competing for the remaining spot — a genuinely open battle. Up front, Diomandé has the left-wing role locked down, but the central striker position between Wahi, Guessand and Bonny remains very much undecided heading into this fixture, while Pepe and Diallo continue to compete on the right. Wahi was initially denied entry into Canada over a visa issue connected to an investigation in France, but has since been cleared to join the squad.
Ivory Coast won emphatic warm-up friendlies against Philadelphia Union II and France before the tournament — though the gulf in standard between the Ecuador test and what Germany will provide is considerable. This is, by a distance, the toughest match Ivory Coast have faced in this competition so far.
Predicted Lineups
Key Battle
Jamal Musiala vs Ivory Coast's makeshift back line. With Ndicka and Kossonou both unavailable, Ivory Coast's defence is considerably weakened heading into this game — and Musiala is exactly the kind of player who exploits unfamiliarity and improvised partnerships. He drifts between the lines and is at his most dangerous receiving the ball on the half-turn in space that a settled defence would otherwise deny him. If Singo and Agbadou can stay organised and communicate effectively despite their lack of partnership experience, Ivory Coast have a chance. If Musiala finds the gaps, this could be a long evening for Les Éléphants.
Prediction
Germany's attacking quality, even allowing for defensive uncertainty of their own, should be too much for an Ivory Coast side missing two key defenders. Ivory Coast were excellent in keeping Ecuador at arm's length, but Germany possess a different calibre of attacking talent altogether. Expect Germany's class to tell, though Ivory Coast's spirit and the unpredictability already shown throughout this tournament mean nothing should be taken entirely for granted.
Germany 3–1 Ivory Coast — Havertz, Musiala, Wirtz — Wahi
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