World Cup 2026: Germany vs Ivory Coast – Preview, form guide, analysis and kick-off time

Germany and Ivory Coast will square off at BMO Field in Toronto on Saturday in what promises to be one of the defining matches of Group E at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Both sides opened their campaigns with victories and know that another three points would move them significantly closer to the knockout stages.

Germany Arrive in Ruthless Form

Germany produced the biggest win of the tournament so far after dismantling Curaçao 7-1 in Houston last Sunday.

After Felix Nmecha opened the scoring inside six minutes, Curaçao briefly shocked the four-time world champions with a historic equaliser midway through the first half.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side quickly restored order, however, as Kai Havertz scored twice while Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav also found the net.

Germany have now won ten consecutive matches across all competitions dating back to September 2025 and have scored at least two goals in nine of those victories.

Still, concerns remain defensively. Die Mannschaft have conceded in four of their last five matches and have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last seven World Cup games since defeating Argentina in the 2014 final.

Ivory Coast Building Momentum

Ivory Coast also began the tournament positively after edging Ecuador 1-0 in dramatic fashion.

The Elephants survived several scares after Ecuador struck the woodwork three times before substitute Amad Diallo scored a stunning 90th-minute winner to secure all three points.

The result extended Ivory Coast’s strong run of form under Emerse Fae, with the African side now chasing a fifth straight victory in all competitions.

That impressive sequence includes a 2-1 friendly victory over France earlier this month.

Ivory Coast are also aiming to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history after previously failing to progress beyond the group phase.

Head-to-Head Record

The two nations have only met once before, drawing 2-2 in an international friendly in November 2009.

Former Germany striker Lukas Podolski scored twice in that encounter, including a dramatic late equaliser.

Form Guide

Germany head into the match after winning ten consecutive matches in all competitions, including their dominant 7-1 victory over Curaçao in their opening World Cup fixture.

Ivory Coast arrive in equally strong form, having won four straight matches across all competitions, including their opening World Cup victory against Ecuador and a recent friendly win over France.

Players to Watch

Kai Havertz comes into the contest in excellent form after his brace against Curaçao, continuing his strong record in major tournaments for Germany.

For Ivory Coast, Amad Diallo will be one of the danger men after scoring the decisive late goal against Ecuador in the opening round.

Possible Starting Lineups

Germany Possible XI

Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha; Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz; Kai Havertz.

Ivory Coast Possible XI

Y. Fofana; Guéla Doué, Wilfried Singo, Emmanuel Agbadou, Ghislain Konan; Amad Diallo, Franck Kessie, Seko Fofana, Diomande; Bonny, Toure.

Match Details

The Group E encounter between Germany and Ivory Coast will be played on Saturday, June 20, at BMO Field in Toronto.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.