Germany’s Nico Schlotterbeck out of FIFA World Cup 2026 with ankle injury
Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out for the remainder of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after the Germany defender sustained an ankle injury against Ivory Coast.
Schlotterbeck had gone down early in the first half after a challenge with Amad Diallo but played on until half-time, when he was replaced by Antonio Rüdiger.
Speaking after the game, Julian Nagelsmann said: “It’s something with his ligament. It definitely doesn't look good, unfortunately.”
The Borussia Dortmund defender was sent for an MRI scan, which confirmed a torn ligament in his left ankle, bringing a premature end to Schlotterbeck’s second World Cup and ruling him out for several months, according to the German FA (DFB).
Germany would go on to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 thanks to a late Deniz Undav winner, but Schlotterbeck was unable to take part in the celebrations, despite taking his seat on the bench in the second half.
Rüdiger was the 26-year-old’s replacement at the heart of defence alongside Jonathan Tah and will likely retain that place into the knockout stages.
Club teammate Waldemar Anton and Newcastle United’s Malick Thiaw are further options at centre-back in the squad, although none have the added bonus of being left-footed like Schlotterbeck.
"We'll really miss an outstanding defender in Schlotti, especially for his excellent build-up play. It could've been his World Cup. It's a good thing that he'll initially stay with the team, because he also has an influence off the pitch," Nagelsmann added upon confirmation of the news.
Germany are already assured of top spot in Group E and will play a third-placed team in Boston on 29 June. They finish the group stage against Ecuador in New York/New Jersey on Thursday (10pm CEST).
