Germany and Ivory Coast meet in Toronto with last-32 places at stake
Both teams won their Group E openers, making Saturday’s World Cup match a possible route to early knockout qualification.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Germany and Ivory Coast play in Toronto on Saturday with early progress from World Cup Group E within reach for both teams. Al Jazeera reported that Germany can secure direct top-two qualification with a win, while Ivory Coast can reach the knockout rounds for the first time by beating the four-time champions.
The match is scheduled for 4pm local time, 20:00 GMT, at Toronto Stadium, according to Al Jazeera. Germany opened their campaign with a 7-1 win over Curacao, while Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0 through a late Amad Diallo goal.
Group E stakes
Al Jazeera reported that Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Curacao make up Group E. Each team plays the other three once, with the top two in each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the new round of 32.
A Germany win would put Julian Nagelsmann’s team on six points and guarantee a top-two finish, according to Al Jazeera. Germany could also move close to winning the group if Ecuador do not beat Curacao later Saturday in Kansas City.
Ivory Coast have their own chance to change their World Cup history. Al Jazeera reported that the Elephants have won a match at each of the four World Cups they have reached, but have yet to advance beyond the group stage.
A draw would leave the group open before the final round of matches on Thursday, Al Jazeera said. The broadcaster reported that goal difference could become significant, especially if Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador finish level on points.
Form and previous meeting
Germany entered the tournament after group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, according to Al Jazeera. Their win over Curacao was their 10th straight victory since September 2025, and the broadcaster reported that they have scored at least twice in nine of those games.
Al Jazeera also pointed to a defensive concern for Germany. The team have conceded in seven consecutive World Cup matches, their longest such run since 1970, and their most recent World Cup clean sheet came in the 2014 final against Argentina.
Ivory Coast are chasing a fifth consecutive win, according to Al Jazeera. Their victory over Ecuador ended the South American team’s 19-match unbeaten run, and it followed Ivory Coast’s 2-1 warm-up win against France in Paris on June 4.
The teams have met once before, Al Jazeera reported. Germany and Ivory Coast drew 2-2 in a November 2009 friendly, with Lukas Podolski scoring twice, including a late equaliser.
Team selection questions
Al Jazeera reported that Nagelsmann may keep the side that beat Curacao, though Deniz Undav pressed his case after coming off the bench to score and make two goals. The Stuttgart forward has seven goals and four assists in 10 Germany appearances, according to the broadcaster.
Kai Havertz scored twice against Curacao, while Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz were among the young attacking players involved in Germany’s opening win, Al Jazeera reported. The broadcaster said Germany’s central defence of Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck, playing in front of 40-year-old Manuel Neuer, remains central to their tournament prospects.
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae has attacking choices to make, according to Al Jazeera. Elye Wahi started against Ecuador before Ange-Yoan Bonny replaced him, while Diallo scored the winner from the bench and is pushing to start.
Al Jazeera reported that Wahi was first denied entry to Canada because of visa complications after being linked to a sports betting scandal while at Nice, but was later cleared to travel. Oumar Diakite and Evann Guessand are also forward options, while Yan Diomande could switch flanks if Diallo comes into the side.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.