Schlotterbeck ruled out of World Cup 2026 with torn ankle ligament after Ivory Coast win

Germany’s World Cup campaign has been dealt a serious defensive blow after Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a torn medial collateral ligament in his left ankle. The Borussia Dortmund centre-back sustained the injury early in Saturday’s 2-1 Group E win over Ivory Coast and did not return for the second half, with Antonio Rüdiger taking his place. A scan on Sunday confirmed the severity of the damage, with the national team confirming Schlotterbeck faces several months on the sidelines.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann cannot call up a replacement given the tournament is already underway, though Schlotterbeck will remain with the squad in the United States for the time being. Nagelsmann described the news as a significant loss, saying: “Schlotti will be greatly missed on the pitch as an outstanding defender, especially his excellent build-up play. It could have been his World Cup. Yesterday, we all tried to lift his spirits — fortunately, he is a very positive character who is already looking ahead again.”

Nagelsmann also welcomed Schlotterbeck’s decision to stay with the group, calling it a “very positive sign” given his “influence off the pitch”, while expressing confidence in his remaining options. “Despite his absence, we are still very well positioned in central defence for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw,” the coach said.

The injury overshadows what was otherwise a landmark result for Germany. Trailing to Franck Kessie’s first-half strike, Nagelsmann’s side mounted a second-half comeback through a brace from substitute Deniz Undav, whose winner arrived deep into stoppage time. The victory secured top spot in Group E and sent Germany into the knockout stage for the first time in 12 years.

Germany face Ecuador in their final group fixture on Thursday before turning their attention to the last 16.