Germany dealt major setback as Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out for rest of FIFA World Cup

Germany's FIFA World Cup campaign has suffered a major blow with defender Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out for the rest of the tournament and several months after sustaining a left ankle ligament injury during the 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.

In Short

• Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out with an ankle injury
• Schlotterbeck suffered the injury during Germany's 2-1 win over Ivory Coast
• Julian Nagelsmann remains confident in Germany's defensive depth

Germany's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign has suffered a major setback after defender Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament and several months beyond with a left ankle injury.

The Borussia Dortmund centre-back sustained the injury during Germany's 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on Saturday, a result that secured the four-time champions a place in the knockout stage with a group game to spare.

Schlotterbeck had started both of Germany's opening matches at the tournament and was expected to play a key role as Julian Nagelsmann's side pursued a fifth World Cup title.

However, tests conducted at Germany's team camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, confirmed damage to the medial ligament in his left ankle, effectively ending his participation in the competition.

NAGELSMANN BACKS GERMANY’S DEFENSIVE DEPTH

The injury is a significant blow for Germany given Schlotterbeck's importance to the team's defensive structure and build-up play. The 26-year-old has established himself as one of Germany's most reliable defenders in recent years, combining strong defensive instincts with an ability to progress the ball from the back.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted the loss was a difficult one to take. "We will sorely miss Schlotti on the field as an outstanding defender, especially also his brilliant ability to build up play from the back," Nagelsmann said. "It could have been his World Cup."

The German coach also revealed that players and staff rallied around Schlotterbeck after the diagnosis. Nagelsmann praised the defender's attitude, noting that he had already begun looking ahead despite the disappointment of missing the rest of the tournament.

In a boost for team morale, Schlotterbeck will remain with the squad during the World Cup. Nagelsmann welcomed the decision, highlighting the defender's influence beyond the pitch.

"It's a great sign that he's staying with the squad for now, as he has an impact off the field as well," the Germany boss said.

Despite the setback, Nagelsmann remains confident in Germany's defensive options.

"Despite his absence, we're still very well-equipped at center-back for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw,” Nagelsmann added.

Germany's victory over Ivory Coast ensured they advanced to the knockout rounds and secured top spot in Group E ahead of their final group-stage fixture against Ecuador in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Thursday, June 25.

- Ends