Ecuador secured their place in the World Cup knockout stage in spectacular fashion after staging a dramatic comeback victory over Group E winners Germany in New Jersey. Despite failing to score in their opening two fixtures, the South Americans showcased their immense resilience to overcome a controversial early goal and book a historic spot.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Germany were full of attacking intent but badly lacking in defensive quality in a poor final World Cup group stage fixture, falling to a dogged Ecuador, 2-1. Julian Nagelsmann's side got an early goal from Leroy Sane, but conceded twice, and never had a coherent response. They still top the group, but go into the knockouts on a dreary note.
Borussia Dortmund have reportedly established a massive €100 million asking price for Felix Nmecha as interest from the Premier League continues to mount ahead of a future release clause becoming active. The 25-year-old German star has become a primary target for several clubs following his standout World Cup performances.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has expressed his frustration with the current World Cup scheduling format, claiming his side are being unfairly penalised for securing top spot in Group E. The tactical mastermind revealed that a highly compressed turnaround time forces his analytical backroom staff into a frantic race against the clock.
There was still more than half an hour to play in Toronto, but Germany's fans had seen enough. With their team trailing 1-0 to Ivory Coast, and struggling terribly to break down The Elephants, they began chanting Deniz Undav's name. In their eyes, it was clearly time for Germany's super-sub - and Julian Nagelsmann agreed. In the 60th minute of an absorbing World Cup Group E encounter, the coach threw on Undav, Nadiem Amiri and Jamie Leweling. Less than eight minutes later, Amiri whipped over a delightful cross from the right wing that Undav volleyed home emphatically.
Nico Schlotterbeck has opened up about the emotional toll of his tournament-ending injury, admitting he needs time to come to terms with the blow. The Borussia Dortmund star was ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a serious ankle injury during the group stages.
Germany have suffered a major setback ahead of the World Cup knockout rounds after Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the tournament with a serious ankle injury. The Borussia Dortmund defender sustained the problem against the Ivory Coast, forcing Julian Nagelsmann into a defensive reshuffle at a crucial stage of the competition.
Deniz Undav scored twice off the bench as Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast to an absorbing World Cup Group E encounter in Toronto on Saturday evening. The four-time champions began brightly, with Kai Havertz looking likely up front, but The Elephants were a constant threat on the break and took the lead after half an hour when a dangerous cross from the impressive Yan Diomande led to Franck Kessie slotting home from close range.
Manuel Neuer has confirmed that he will step away from Germany national team duty for a second time following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper, who reversed his initial retirement decision to join Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for this summer's tournament, is aiming to end his illustrious international career by lifting a second world title.
Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi will miss his side's World Cup clash with Germany after being denied entry to Canada amid an ongoing criminal investigation in France. The 23-year-old remains in the United States while authorities examine allegations linked to suspicious betting activity during a Ligue 1 match earlier this year.
Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has hit out at Jurgen Klopp for his recent comments regarding Julian Nagelsmann’s tactical choices, insisting that the former Liverpool boss was wrong to "interfere" from the sidelines. Despite Klopp issuing a public apology for his remarks following Germany's dominant 7-1 World Cup opening victory against Curacao, Matthaus believes the damage was already done.
Jurgen Klopp has issued a heartfelt apology to Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann following a controversial slip of the tongue on live television. The former Liverpool manager, who is currently serving as a pundit during the 2026 World Cup, admitted he felt like "an idiot" after a specific word choice sparked a national debate regarding Nagelsmann’s job security.
Germany made an early statement at the 2026 World Cup as they ran out 7-1 winners over tournament debutants Curacao. A brace from Kai Havertz and goals from Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav ensured a relatively straightforward introduction to Group E for Die Mannschaft, though they were given something of a shock when Curacao found the net midway through the first half.
Julian Nagelsmann has dropped a selection bombshell ahead of Germany’s 2026 World Cup opener against Curacao by confirming Manuel Neuer will start in goal. The veteran Bayern Munich shot-stopper is set to make his first appearance for Die Mannschaft in two years as they begin their campaign in Houston.
Jurgen Klopp has moved to clarify his recent comments regarding Jamal Musiala after his tactical suggestions sparked a wave of criticism in Germany. The former Liverpool manager had suggested that Deniz Undav might be a better fit for the starting XI in certain scenarios, leading legend Lothar Matthaus to question his judgment.
Germany legend Miroslav Klose expects his iconic World Cup goal-scoring record to be shattered during the current tournament cycle in North America. The former striker feels the expanded tournament format provides the perfect platform for elite forwards to surpass his historic tally, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe leading the chase.
During Liverpool's historically poor run of results last autumn, Florian Wirtz's form became the subject of much debate. Gary Lineker was among those that felt that the No.10 might benefit from being taken out of Arne Slot’s starting line-up, and thus the spotlight. "Don’t think he isn’t suffering at the moment with this," the former England international said on 'The Rest is Football' podcast.
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