Ivory Coast won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 — their third title, and their first since 2015. That victory came on home soil, in front of their own supporters, in circumstances that required them to come from behind against Nigeria in the final. The manner of it mattered: Emerse Faé’s side demonstrated the ability to win ugly, to manage a crisis, and to produce when the occasion demanded it. Those are qualities that translate to a World Cup group stage, where the margin between progression and elimination is rarely large.
Germany arrive having already put five past Curaçao. The competitive test comes now.
Germany
Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala have established themselves as Germany’s two most dangerous attacking players, and their understanding — both are comfortable operating in the same half-space, rotating fluidly rather than rigidly occupying wide zones — gives Nagelsmann’s system a spontaneity that the previous generation lacked. Against Ivory Coast’s mid-high press, the spaces in behind Germany’s forward movement are the area Ivory Coast’s forwards will try to exploit. Germany’s back four is comfortable with a high line, which against Ivory Coast’s direct running creates a specific vulnerability that the defensive structure must manage.
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): ter Stegen; Kimmich, Rüdiger, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Andrich, Goretzka; Musiala, Wirtz, Gnabry; Havertz
Ivory Coast
Franck Kessié provides the physical and technical midfield authority that Ivory Coast have built their system around in the post-Drogba era. His box-to-box running, ability to win second balls, and composure in possession link the defensive block to Ivory Coast’s forward quality. Simon Adingra has emerged as the most exciting wide attacker in this squad — his pace and directness from the right, cutting inside onto his left foot, is the kind of movement that can unsettle a German right-back defending in deep space. Ivory Coast’s high press against Germany’s build-up is the tactical match-up the first 20 minutes will resolve.
Predicted lineup (4-3-3): Sangaré; Aurier, Bailly, Deli, Konan; Kessié, Seri, Dao; Adingra, Haller, Gradel
Odds Comparison
| Sportsbook | Germany | Draw | Ivory Coast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | 1.55 | 4.00 | 6.00 |
| Sports Interaction | 1.53 | 3.90 | 5.90 |
| Betway | 1.54 | 3.95 | 5.95 |
| Tonybet | 1.55 | 4.00 | 6.00 |
| Betovo | 1.52 | 3.85 | 5.80 |
| Market | Best Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1.85 |
| Under 2.5 Goals | 2.05 |
| Both Teams to Score — Yes | 2.30 |
| Both Teams to Score — No | 1.65 |
Prediction
Germany win this, but Ivory Coast will score. The high-line defensive approach that Germany use means Adingra’s pace will create at least one clear opportunity — Ivory Coast are not a side content to simply absorb pressure for 90 minutes. Wirtz and Musiala, in the pockets between Ivory Coast’s midfield and defensive line, will determine the margin.
Prediction: Germany 3-1 Ivory Coast. Both teams to score at 2.30 captures the expected shape of a match Germany control but do not shut out.
Odds correct at time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
Ryan Delacroix grew up between Bordeaux and Toronto, which left him fluent in two languages and loyal to neither country’s football team. He spent a decade writing for European sports dailies before moving to long-form work covering major tournaments. His pieces tend to start with a detail nobody else noticed and end with a quote that makes the analysis unnecessary. He has been at three World Cups. He still thinks the 2002 one was the strangest.
