Germany will play its second group stage match at the World Cup tonight. Against Ivory Coast, Julian Nagelsmann is fielding the same starting lineup that impressed in the 7-1 opening victory over Curaçao.
The German national team is set to play its second group stage match at the 2026 World Cup tonight. At 10 p.m., the DFB squad will face the Ivory Coast in Toronto.
Following the decisive 7-1 victory over Curaçao, national team coach Julian Nagelsmann sees no reason to make changes and is once again relying on the same lineup as in the tournament opener.
Particularly encouraging from FC Bayern’s perspective: five Munich pros will be on the field from the start. Joining them is Nathaniel Brown of Eintracht Frankfurt, a player who is on the verge of a transfer to the German record champions.
The Bayern core once again forms the backbone of the team
Veteran Manuel Neuer starts in goal, having celebrated his comeback in the World Cup opener after overcoming calf problems.
In front of him, captain Joshua Kimmich defends on the right side. Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck form the central defensive pairing. On the left side of the defense, Brown is once again preferred over David Raum.
In central midfield, Nagelsmann is once again relying on Aleksandar Pavlovic and Felix Nmecha. Leon Goretzka will start on the bench, as he did against Curaçao.
On offense, the national team coach is also relying on the tried-and-true quartet. Leroy Sané and Florian Wirtz occupy the wings, while Jamal Musiala plays behind Kai Havertz.
This means that, with Neuer, Kimmich, Tah, Pavlovic, and Musiala, there are once again five Bayern Munich players in the German starting lineup.
Here’s an overview of Germany’s starting lineup against Ivory Coast:
Neuer – Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown – Pavlovic, Nmecha – Sané, Musiala, Wirtz – Havertz.