Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck could miss the remainder of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a suspected ligament injury in his side’s 2–1 win over Ivory Coast national football team.
The 26-year-old started for Germany national football team in Saturday’s match at Toronto Stadium, but went down injured in the first half while appearing to struggle with a knee problem. He was later replaced at the break by Antonio Rüdiger.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed after the game that Schlotterbeck is suspected to have damaged ligaments, saying the situation “doesn’t look good” and raising serious doubts over his availability for the rest of the tournament.
Further reports suggested the defender’s World Cup campaign may already be over, with little expectation he will return for Germany’s final group-stage match against Ecuador. The national team has not yet provided a definitive update on his recovery timeline.
If Schlotterbeck is ruled out, Germany still have several centre-back options, including Jonathan Tah and Malick Thiaw, while Deniz Undav helped secure victory with a late brace after Germany came from behind, having initially conceded to Franck Kessié.
