World Cup 2026: bad news for Germany

The German defender could miss the rest of the tournament after his injury against Ivory Coast

World Cup 2026 21 June 2026 at 05:18

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World Cup 2026: bad news for Germany

20.06.26 FT World Cup

Germany

Ivory Coast

Germany secured an important victory against Ivory Coast, but the evening was overshadowed by the worrying departure of Nico Schlotterbeck. The central defender picked up an injury very early in the match, in the 13th minute, yet remained on the pitch until halftime.

Suffering from an ankle issue, the 26-year-old will undergo medical tests to determine the exact nature of his problem. Julian Nagelsmann has already hinted that the situation is far from reassuring. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t look good,” the German coach said after the match.

🚨 World Cup over for Nico Schlotterbeck?

Julian Nagelsmann confirms: “Nico is suspected to have sustained a ligament injury. It’s not looking good.” 🇩🇪

Initial reports suggest a serious issue that could force him to leave the tournament early.

Tests will follow to confirm the… pic.twitter.com/4xwmWV50Ir
— THE SCORELINE (@THE_SCORELINE_X) June 21, 2026

A starter since the beginning of this 2026 World Cup, Schlotterbeck is a key piece in Germany’s setup. A prolonged absence would force Nagelsmann to rethink his defensive plans for the rest of the competition. Die Mannschaft now anxiously awaits the results of the MRI scan.