Germany and Ivory Coast have announced their starting lineups for this evening’s World Cup group-stage encounter at BMO Field in Toronto. Both sides enter the fixture on the back of opening-day victories, with Germany having thrashed Curacao 7-1 and Ivory Coast securing a 1-0 win against Ecuador.
The match represents the second round of fixtures in the 2026 World Cup group stage. With both teams having taken maximum points from their respective openers, this encounter offers the opportunity to seize control of the group and move to the brink of qualification for the knockout stages.
Starting XIs
Germany will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Manuel Neuer starts in goal, protected by a back line featuring Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck and Brown. In midfield, Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic operate as the double pivot, allowing Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz to provide creative support for Kai Havertz, who leads the line.
Ivory Coast have opted for a 4-3-3 system as they seek to build upon their solid start against Ecuador. Yahia Fofana starts between the posts, protected by a back four of Odilon Kossounou, Wilfried Singo, Emmanuel Agbadou and Ghislain Konan. The midfield trio features Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré alongside Oulai, providing defensive steel and distribution. In attack, Diomande, Bonny and Diallo will look to trouble the German defence.
Tactical Context
The encounter presents contrasting approaches. Germany demonstrated their attacking prowess with a seven-goal demolition of Curacao, while Ivory Coast displayed defensive resilience to keep a clean sheet against Ecuador. Ivory Coast will rely heavily on the experience of Kessié and Sangaré to disrupt Germany’s rhythm, whilst the European side will look to Musiala and Wirtz to unlock the defence through intricate combination play.
A victory for either side would leave them on the cusp of the last 16, with Germany particularly well-placed to confirm their progression should they secure three points at BMO Field.