Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany face Ivory Coast at Toronto Stadium on Saturday night, with a victory for either side guaranteeing a place in the World Cup round of 32.
Germany opened their Group E campaign with an emphatic 7-1 win over Curacao, extending their winning streak to 10 matches across all competitions dating back to September 2025. Nagelsmann’s side have scored two or more goals in nine of those 10 fixtures. However, defensive vulnerabilities remain clear; the concession of a first-half equaliser to Curacao means Die Mannschaft have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last seven World Cup games, a run stretching back to the 2014 final.
Ivory Coast sit second in the group following a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, secured via a 90th-minute winner from substitute Amad Diallo. While Emerse Fae’s side allowed Ecuador to hit the woodwork three times, the victory extended their own winning run to four matches across all competitions—a streak that includes a 2-1 friendly win over France. A point from their remaining two matches will all but secure knockout progression for the Elephants for the first time in their history.
What are the best picks for Germany vs Ivory Coast?
Over 2.5 Goals
Germany’s underlying metrics show extreme efficiency in attack alongside consistent vulnerability at the back. They have scored 10 goals across their last two fixtures but have conceded in four of their last five games.
Ivory Coast possess a highly productive transition threat, highlighted by 19-year-old midfielder Yan Diomande, who created five chances and won 11 duels in the opener against Ecuador.
With Germany pricing up as 11/20 favourites and expected to push numbers forward, this game should closely track the tournament trend where the majority of opening round matches saw both teams find the net.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Spain vs Saudi Arabia preview, prediction, team news and how to watch
Kai Havertz: 1+ Goal
Havertz continues to serve as Germany’s focal point in the absence of a traditional profile striker. His brace against Curacao means the Arsenal forward has scored four goals in his last four international appearances this year.
Furthermore, Havertz holds a distinct tournament record as the only current German player to have scored at each of the country’s last four major tournament appearances, netting exactly twice in each.
Given his current momentum following a goal in the Champions League final, he remains the most reliable option against an Ivorian central defence that surrendered heavy expected goals (xG) metrics to Ecuador.
Where can I watch Germany vs Ivory Coast?
UK viewers can watch the match live on ITV1 or stream the broadcast via ITVX, with coverage starting ahead of the 21:00 BST kickoff.
What is Germany’s predicted team?
Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Pavlovic, Nmecha; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz
Team News: Deniz Undav is pushing for a start after registering one goal and two assists off the bench on Sunday, though Nagelsmann is expected to remain unchanged. Manuel Neuer will make his 21st World Cup appearance.
What is Ivory Coast’s predicted team?
Y. Fofana; Doue, Singo, Agbadou, Konan; Diallo, Kessie, S. Fofana, Diomande; Bonny, Toure
Team News: Elye Wahi has received late travel authorisation to enter Canada following initial visa complications, but he is expected to start on the bench. Opening-game hero Amad Diallo is expected to replace Nicolas Pepe on the right wing.
READ NEXT: Netherlands vs Sweden picks, predictions and how to watch
18+ UK. Please play responsibly. This content is informational, not financial advice.
