Germany faces Ivory Coast on June 20, 2026, at BMO Field in Toronto. Germany is the clear favorite, but Ivory Coast brings enough power and pace to test them.
Match Preview
This Group E match should be one of the more physical contests of the round. Kickoff is set for 9:00 p.m. in Toronto, which is 4:00 p.m. ET in the United States. FOX’s match page confirms live coverage on FOX and FOX One.
Germany comes in with elite technical quality and depth. Julian Nagelsmann has a squad built around control, pressing, and quick combinations. The expected core includes Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz.
The Ivory Coast is one of Africa’s most dangerous dark horses. Emerse Faé’s squad combines experience and athleticism, with Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Simon Adingra, Amad Diallo, and Evan Ndicka all in the picture. That mix gives them a real transition threat.
Germany should control possession for long spells. Ivory Coast will likely defend deeper and look to break quickly. The opening goal could decide how open this match becomes.
INFO SPORT projects the following lineups from squad reports and tactical previews.
For wider tournament coverage, visit the INFO SPORT World Cup hub.
Key Players to Watch
Jamal Musiala is Germany’s most dangerous ball-carrier between the lines. Florian Wirtz adds vision and tempo, while Joshua Kimmich controls rhythm from deep. Havertz gives Germany a flexible final-third reference point.
Leroy Sane also matters. His pace can stretch Ivory Coast’s back line and create space for central runners. If Germany find width early, they can pin Ivory Coast in their own half.
For Ivory Coast, Kessié and Sangaré are the engine room. They must stop Germany from playing through midfield. Simon Adingra and Amad Diallo bring directness, while Evan Ndicka adds authority at the back.
Elye Wahi or another advanced forward must be efficient. Ivory Coast may not see many clear chances. That makes their finishing and set-piece threat very important.
Head-to-Head Record
Germany and Ivory Coast have a very small shared history. The clearest previous meeting was a 2-2 friendly in November 2009. That result suggests the teams can trade chances when the game opens up.
There is no strong competitive rivalry here. That leaves the match shaped more by current squad strength than by history. Germany clearly holds the edge on paper.
Prediction & Odds
The betting market strongly favors Germany. ESPN prices Germany at -175 on the moneyline, with the total leaning toward over 2.5 goals at -130. One AI forecast also gives Germany a clear edge, with win probability around 55 percent.
That makes sense. Germany’s midfield control should be difficult to handle. The Ivory Coast can compete physically, but they may spend too much time without the ball.
INFO SPORT prediction: Germany 2-0 Ivory Coast. Germany should create more chances, and their defensive structure looks more stable over 90 minutes.
Odds can move close to kickoff.
How to Watch
U.S. viewers can watch Germany vs. Ivory Coast on FOX, with streaming on FOX One and wider tournament coverage across FOX and FS1. The match page confirms this game is part of FOX’s World Cup schedule.
In the UK, BBC and ITV share the tournament rights. Both broadcasters offer free-to-air coverage across TV and digital platforms.
In the Arab world, beIN Sports holds the World Cup rights. Viewers should check local schedules for the exact channel assignment.
Toronto gives this match a major-stage feel. Germany starts as the stronger side, but Ivory Coast has the athleticism to keep it competitive for spells.
