Both nations opened their World Cup campaigns with victories, and another positive result would leave either side in a commanding position heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures.

Germany produced the most emphatic result of the opening round, cruising to a 7-1 victory over Curacao in Houston.

Julian Nagelsmann's side quickly recovered after conceding a surprise equaliser, with Kai Havertz scoring twice and Jamal Musiala, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav also getting on the scoresheet.

The four-time world champions have now won 10 consecutive matches in all competitions and appear to have carried their strong recent form into the tournament after disappointing group-stage exits in both 2018 and 2022.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, left it late to secure all three points in their opening match against Ecuador.

Amad Diallo's 90th-minute strike earned the Elephants a 1-0 victory and handed Emerse Fae's side an important three points in a group expected to be one of the most competitive at the tournament.

Having returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, Ivory Coast will believe another positive result could move them a significant step closer to reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

The nations have met only once previously, playing out a 2-2 draw in a friendly in 2009.

Havertz is expected to continue leading Germany's attack after his brace against Curacao, while Nagelsmann is unlikely to make major changes following such an impressive opening performance.

Diallo could be rewarded with a place in the starting lineup after his match-winning contribution against Ecuador, though Fae is also expected to retain much of the side that opened the tournament with victory.

Germany predicted lineup:

Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Pavlovic, Nmecha; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz

Ivory Coast predicted lineup:

Y. Fofana; Doue, Singo, Agbadou, Konan; Diallo, Kessie, S. Fofana, Diomande; Bonny, Toure

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