Germany are expected to make wholesale changes for their final World Cup group game against Ecuador on Thursday, having already secured top spot in Group E. The 2014 World Cup winners edged past Ivory Coast last time out to confirm their place in the last 32 with a game to spare.
Nagelsmann to rotate squad
Julian Nagelsmann has the luxury of resting key players ahead of the knockout stage. Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Manuel Neuer could all be given a breather. The Germany head coach picked an unchanged team for wins over Curacao and Ivory Coast but is forced into at least one alteration with Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with an ankle injury.
Antonio Rudiger replaced Schlotterbeck against Ivory Coast and is expected to do the same from the start against Ecuador, possibly partnering Newcastle's Malick Thiaw in central defence. Oliver Baumann could take over in goal from Neuer, while the full-backs might be rotated with Waldemar Anton and David Raum replacing Joshua Kimmich and Nathaniel Brown.
Midfield and attack changes
Leon Goretzka is pushing for his first start of the tournament after two substitute appearances. Nadiem Amiri claimed an assist off the bench in the win over Ivory Coast so could start in the attacking midfield role instead of Jamal Musiala. Nick Woltemade is yet to feature at the World Cup but if Havertz is rested, it is likely that Deniz Undav will get the nod up front as he bids to draw level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
Predicted Germany XI
Baumann; Anton, Thiaw, Rudiger, Raum; Goretzka, Stiller; Sane, Amiri, Beier; Undav
Injury latest
Schlotterbeck is out for the tournament with an ankle injury.
Match details
Time and date: 9pm BST on Thursday, June 25, 2026. How to watch: BBC. Venue: New York/New Jersey Stadium.
