Germany and Ivory Coast meet in Toronto in a crucial Group E encounter with both sides knowing that victory would secure qualification for the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a match to spare.

Germany arrive full of confidence after extending their winning streak to ten matches with an emphatic 7-1 victory over World Cup debutants Curaçao. The dominant display served as a statement of intent from a side determined to avoid a third consecutive group-stage exit and re-establish themselves among the tournament favourites.

The seven goals also saw Germany reclaim top spot as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorers with 239 goals across the competition’s history. While their attacking form has been formidable, defensive concerns remain. Germany have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last seven World Cup matches, their longest such run since 1970.

However, their firepower has more than compensated for those shortcomings. Die Mannschaft have scored at least three goals in six of their last ten victories and appear well equipped to overwhelm most opponents.

Ivory Coast also began their campaign with three points, edging past Ecuador 1-0 in a disciplined performance. The result extended their winning run to four international matches and further strengthened belief that the Elephants can finally reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

Particularly encouraging for the Africans is the quality of opposition they have recently overcome, with three of their four consecutive victories coming against nations ranked inside FIFA’s top 25. As a result, they are unlikely to be intimidated by the prospect of facing four-time world champions Germany.

Even a defeat would not necessarily derail Ivory Coast’s qualification hopes, with a final group-stage fixture against Curaçao offering a favourable opportunity to secure progression.

History provides little insight into this contest, as the nations have met only once before. That encounter, a friendly in November 2009, ended in a 2-2 draw.

Germany have traditionally performed strongly against African opposition at the World Cup, suffering just one defeat in eight such matches while recording five wins and two draws. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, have found European opponents difficult to overcome on the global stage, winning only one of their four World Cup meetings with UEFA nations.

Several statistics underline Germany’s recent dominance. They have scored first in nine of their last ten matches and earned eight or more corners in five of their previous six internationals, highlighting their ability to exert sustained pressure from the opening whistle.

Ivory Coast have demonstrated resilience and late attacking threat, scoring after the 80th minute in five of their last seven matches. Interestingly, six of their previous seven internationals have produced an odd number of goals.

Germany’s main attacking weapon could once again be Kai Havertz. His brace against Curaçao means he has now scored at each of Germany’s last four major tournaments. The forward has also been directly involved in seven goals across his last five appearances for club and country, registering five goals and two assists.

For Ivory Coast, Guéla Doué has emerged as a key figure. The versatile player has contributed a goal, an assist and a booking across his last two international appearances, underlining his influence at both ends of the pitch.

Neither side has reported any significant injury concerns following their opening matches. Ivory Coast have also received a boost with the availability of Elye Wahi, who can now feature after initially being unable to enter Canada due to legal complications in France.

Given Germany’s tendency to start matches strongly and their impressive recent scoring record, Julian Nagelsmann’s side will be expected to take control early. Backing Germany to lead at half-time appears a sensible selection as they seek to book their place in the knockout stages.