Germany will likely rest a number of star players for their final World Cup group game against Ecuador tonight, according to reports. The 2014 World Cup winners edged past Ivory Coast last time out, securing a place in the knockout stage as Group E winners with a game to spare.
Germany's Group Stage Success
This is the first time Germany have advanced past the World Cup group stage since winning the tournament 12 years ago. With qualification secured and a last-32 match scheduled for next Monday, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has the luxury of making wholesale changes to keep his best players fresh.
Nagelsmann fielded an unchanged team for victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast, but key players such as Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, and Manuel Neuer could all be rested. The coach is forced into at least one alteration, with Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to an ankle injury.
Defensive Changes Expected
Antonio Rudiger replaced Schlotterbeck against Ivory Coast and is expected to start against Ecuador, likely partnering Newcastle's Malick Thiaw in central defence. Oliver Baumann could give Neuer a breather in goal, while full-backs might be rotated, with Waldemar Anton and David Raum taking over from Joshua Kimmich and Nathaniel Brown.
Midfield and Attack Adjustments
Leon Goretzka is pushing for his first start of the tournament after two substitute appearances. Nadiem Amiri, who claimed an assist off the bench in the win over Ivory Coast, could start in the attacking midfield role instead of Jamal Musiala. Nick Woltemade has yet to feature at the World Cup, but if Havertz is rested, Deniz Undav is likely to get the nod up front as he bids to draw level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
Predicted Lineup and Match Details
Predicted Germany XI: Baumann; Anton, Thiaw, Rudiger, Raum; Goretzka, Stiller; Sane, Amiri, Beier; Undav. Injured: Schlotterbeck. The match takes place at 9pm BST on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at New York/New Jersey Stadium, broadcast live on BBC.
