Preview: Germany vs Ivory Coast prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Can four-time world champions Germany finally get past the group stages in 2026?

Perched directly on the scenic northern shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) in Canada gears up to host a highly anticipated Group E fixture of Matchweek 2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where four-time world champions Germany take on debutants Curacao in what is set to be a thrilling battle.

Germany are just one win away from breaking their group stage curse after failing to advance past the group stages since they last won the FIFA World Cup in 2014. The Germans thrashed debutants Curacao 7-1 to bag all three points from the opening game.

The challenge ahead won’t be an easy one, as the Ivory Coast are a tough team to beat. They are led by the youngest gaffer of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Julian Nagelsmann.

After the Ivory Coast’s win over Ecuador, 1-0, in the last game, Group E is standing at a very interesting scenario. A win for either team would see them going to the knockout, but if the game ends in a draw, all three teams, including Ecuador, if they win the next game, would be in contention for the top spot in the final matchweek.

Three-time African champions, the Ivory Coast, are coming off a crucial win over Ecuador, courtesy of that last-minute goal from Amad Diallo to seal things off.

They are led by Emerse Faé, the Ivorian gaffer who has been at the helm since 2024.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Stadium: Toronto Stadium (BMO Field)
• Date: Saturday, June 20
• Kick-off time: 9 p.m. BST [1:30 a.m. IST, Sunday, June 21 / 4 p.m. local EDT]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Germany (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Ivory Coast (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-L

Players to Watch

Florian Wirtz (Germany)

Wirtz hails from a highly competitive sporting family, where football runs in his family’s DNA. The fastest goalscorer in the history of the German national team, Wirtz orchestrated a phenomenal season in England and Europe for Arne Slot’s Liverpool. He made 15 goal contributions in 48 games.

He is the creative architect of the team. He will be tasked with the responsibility of creating chances from the left flank. He even gave an assist in the last game against Curacao.

He will be a key player to watch out for for Germany in the upcoming game and will be keen to get his first-ever World Cup goal against the African giants, the Ivory Coast.

Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast)

One of the most decorated Ivorian players ever, Kessie has won several international and club honours. Whether it be winning La Liga with Barca, Serie A with AC Milan, the AFC Champions League with Al Ahli, or the AFCON with the Ivory Coast, Kessie is the captain and heartbeat of the Ivory Coast.

His move from Europe to the Gulf with Al Ahli raised a lot of eyebrows, but he silenced his critics by delivering his peak performance in the last three years in the highly competitive SPL.

Kessie offers that defensive stability to the Ivory Coast in the midfield and is an unshakeable presence in the midfield who will be keen to lead the African nations to win over Germany.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Match Facts

• These two sides will meet each other for the first time in the FIFA World Cup
• The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 2-2 draw
• Lukas Podolski is the leading goal scorer in this fixture.

Germany vs Ivory Coast: Betting Tips and Odds

• Germany to win the game – 8/15 with Betfred
• Kai Havertz to score – with Betfred
• Germany 3-1 Ivory Coast – 11/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Nagelsmann may stick to his last eleven, but there is a chance that Deniz Undav can be brought in for Leroy Sane, but given Sane’s experience, it seems unlikely.

Elye Wahi will not play against Germany because Canadian authorities denied the Ivorian striker entry into the country amid an ongoing investigation into a spot-fixing case. Evan Ndicka remains a doubt due to the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the opener against Ecuador.

Head-to-Head

Total games: 01

Germany won: 00

Ivory Coast won: 00

Games drawn: 01

Predicted Lineups

Germany predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Manuel Neuer (GK); Joshua Kimmich, Nico Schlotterbeck, Antonio Rüdiger, David Raum; Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlović; Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané; Kai Havertz

Ivory Coast predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Yahia Fofana (GK); Wilfried Singo, Emmanuel Agbadou, Yan Diomandé, Ghislain Konan; Ibrahim Sangaré, Franck Kessié, Guéla Doué; Nicolas Pépé, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Seko Fofana.

Match Prediction

Despite that big win over Curacao, it would not be wise for Germany to underestimate Ivory Coast. But Germany are a world-class side and given their form, we expect the to win big against the African giants.

Prediction: Germany 3-1 Ivory Coast

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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