Germany's Possible Lineup to Face Ivory Coast at the FIFA World Cup 2026

Germany will look to move closer to the knockout stage after a dominant opening victory, but a much tougher challenge awaits against Ivory Coast.

Germany aims to strengthen its position in Group E

The Germany national team enters Matchday 2 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup full of confidence after producing one of the most convincing performances of the opening round.

Julian Nagelsmann's side cruised to victory against Curaçao and immediately established itself as one of the early contenders in the tournament. However, the next challenge promises to be significantly more demanding against an Ivory Coast team that also opened its campaign with three points.

With both nations sitting near the top of Group E, this matchup could go a long way toward determining who finishes first in the group.

FIFA World Cup

How And Where To Watch: Germany vs Ivory Coast

A tougher test for Die Mannschaft

While the scoreline against Curaçao was impressive, Germany knows it will face a far more complete opponent this time around.

The opening victory showcased the team's attacking quality, but there were also moments when defensive vulnerabilities appeared, something Nagelsmann will be eager to address before facing the African side.

The blend of experienced veterans and exciting young talent remains one of Germany's greatest strengths heading into the tournament.

Julain Nagelsmann during a national Germany team match.

Germany's possible lineup

All indications suggest that Nagelsmann will stick with the core group that delivered such an impressive result in the opening match.

Possible Germany lineup:

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer

Defenders: Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown

Midfielders: Aleksandar Pavlović, Felix Nmecha

Attacking Midfielders: Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz

Forward: Kai Havertz

Musiala and Wirtz remain Germany's creative leaders

Germany's attacking hopes once again rest heavily on Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, two of the most gifted young players in world football.

Alongside them, Leroy Sané provides pace and experience, while Kai Havertz offers movement and versatility at the top of the attack.

Together, they will attempt to break down an Ivory Coast defense that impressed in its opening victory and showed why it could become one of the tournament's surprise teams.

A second consecutive win would place Germany in an excellent position to secure qualification for the knockout rounds and further strengthen its status as a serious title contender.