Florian Wirtz was the centre of attention when Germany took on Curacao last week. The Liverpool star was involved in the 7-1 destruction. As they have their eyes set on a place in the knockout round, they must get a result against the Ivory Coast.
The African side left it late against Ecuador when Manchester United winger, Amad Diallo, scored in added time. A lot of Kopites will have their eyes glued to the screen for this meeting, though not just for Wirtz. Yan Diomande delivered an exceptional performance in the opening match of the World Cup. Links continue to gain traction, especially after the Reds had a €100 million bid rejected by RB Leipzig this week.
However, despite the South Americans coming away with no goals or points, they looked dangerous. Emerse Fae’s men will have to be careful when they take on the four-time World Cup winners. At one stage, the Germans were level with Curacao, after conceding to Livano Comenencia. However, they would soon run riot. Arsenal’s Kai Havertz would be the only man to score twice as they smashed them for seven.
German boss, Julian Nagelsmann, believes he will face more pressure when they come up against the West Africans. Reported by SuperSport, he said, “We took some measures and prepared accordingly so we can take away as much strength as possible. We will not always be successful because they are just too good.”
Earlier this week, suggestions came from Germany that Diomande’s price may rise depending on their run. If that is the case, a lot of Liverpool supporters will be behind Wirtz and his teammates this evening.
How to watch
- Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 4PM local time (EDT) / 9 PM BST
- Location: BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
- TV/Streaming: ZEE5, Unite8 Sports (International), FOX/FS1 (US), ITV (UK)
Recent form guide
Germany: Nagelsmann’s side wasn’t put on the same plate as France and Spain coming to North America. However, after a convincing display, supporters back the Germans to go far. It was a statement victory which now takes their winning run into double figures. With the attacking force they have in their ranks, very few will be able to deal with it.
Ivory Coast: Ecuador are no pushover, making Ivory Coast’s win even more impressive. It was the first time the South Americans had suffered defeat since meeting Brazil in September 2024. In their last 10 outings, they have only lost once, while winning eight. Exciting talents like Diomande and Bazoumana Traore are a real danger.
| Team | Result | Possession | Shots | xG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | W 7-1 | 65% | 26 | 4.22 |
| Ivory Coast | W 1-0 | 45% | 15 | 1.52 |
Injuries, absenses and suspensions
Ahead of the match, Nagelsmann admitted he didn’t want to change too much following their result. No injuries were suffered against Curacao, which means the 38-year-old can follow in the steps of the first match. The Ivory Coast will be missing one man. Elye Wahi played for just under an hour in the opening fixture, but will not be available for selection. He is under investigation for match-fixing in Ligue 1, therefore he has been rejected from entering Canada.
Germany
- None
Ivory Coast
- Wahi – Under investigation
Predicted starting lineup
With Nagelsmann’s comments, it’s safe to assume it will be the same starting XI. Liverpool’s £116 million man will play off the left, with Jamal Musiala through the middle. Perhaps one frustrating name came from the right wing, Leroy Sane. Compared to the rest of the attacking play, he looked off the pace.
With Wahi out, there are serious questions for Fae. Inter Milan’s Ange-Yoan Bonny replaced him against Ecuador, though he had little impact. One man who will cause some decisions to be made is Diallo. His late goal might allow him to make his way into the team for Traore.
Germany predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Neuer; Kimmich, Tag, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz
Ivory Coast predicted XI (4-4-2)
Fofana; Doue, Singo, Agbadou, Konan; Diomande, Kessie, Fofana, Diallo; Bonny, Pepe
ReadLiverpool verdict
Despite being the second game for these two, this match will effectively decide who finishes top of the group. Curacao poses less of a threat to the Ivory Coast than Ecuador to Germany, therefore the Europeans need a result in case of any late scares.
For Liverpool fans, this is a must-watch, as we look at the current and the potential future of Andoni Iraola’s side. The West Africans have plenty of promise, but on the day, the quality of players like Wirtz and Musiala may be too much to deal with.
