- Germany have won all five of their last five matches in all competitions, beating Finland 4-0 on Wednesday and USA 2-1 away from home.
- Ivory Coast have also won four of their last five and beat France 2-1 away from home just 12 days ago.
Germany on a roll
Germany have won their opening game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which means they lead Group E on goal difference from the Elephants of Ivory Coast, who also recorded an impressive opening-day win.
Julian Nagelsmann's side thumped Curacao 7-1 in their opener, but the Ivory Coast are also in fine form and backed up their opening-day 1-0 victory over Ecuador by winning away to France a fortnight ago.
The Elephants of Ivory Coast are a well-organised and tough side that have been managed well by Emerse Faé, who took over in January 2024. They are a compact, high-intensity team with the ability to play wide areas and have the firepower to hit on the counter-attack with lightning speed.
Lively game expected in Canada
They will look to make Germany chase the game at Toronto Stadium, but Nagelsmann's men are a highly-attacking side and will be on the front foot from the off. Possession and tempo will be in their favour and if they can pin Ivory Coast back, they will surely create chances.
Faé is sure to have his side set up to counter Germany, which should make for an interesting game and plenty of chances, but our preferred bet is for the Germans to outscore the Africans.
Nagelsmann has brought a real attacking flair to the national team since taking over in September 2023, although it is Germany's ability to press and win the ball back high up the pitch that has made the most impression in recent months.
Germany have extra cutting edge
Germany have scored 13 goals in their last three games and should have the cutting edge against Ivory Coast, but Ivory Coast are a good side and have enough goals in them to register against their group opponents.
A high-scoring game looks likely and our main selection is Germany to win at 53/100 with a smaller bet on Over 2.5 goals at 71/100. BTTS - Yes, at 37/50, is another option in the wagering, but we believe this game will be close and the Germans are just favoured to edge it.
Elephants have an agile and powerful forward
Kai Havertz was on target in Germany's win over Curacao and is their danger man going into this game. Julian Nagelsmann has a host of options to make this team tick, but Havertz is perhaps the most likely to get his name on the score sheet. Jamal Musiala is the creative spark and can play a big role in unlocking the other side's defence by dribbling into space or by creating chances between the lines.
Wilfried Singo, on the opposite side, is Ivory Coast's best wide player and can operate as a winger or wide midfielder. He was on fire against France with his pace, power and skill, but perhaps his best contribution was a crucial assist.
Frank Kessié provides the drive in midfield as a box-to-box midfielder that loves to get forward and arrive in the box to finish off moves late in the game. Amad Diallo, who has one goal in one game, is the main striker and is in good form, but it is difficult to see him getting many opportunities to shine in this contest.
