Germany should take control of Group E with a win over Ivory Coast at BMO Field. Their 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao set the tone, and the squad has looked sharp in recent wins against the USA, Finland and Ghana. Ivory Coast scraped through their opener 1-0 against Ecuador, and that narrow result leaves them vulnerable against a side brimming with attacking options.
Only one previous meeting exists between these teams, a 2-2 draw back in 2009. That history offers little guidance for what should unfold here. Germany sit top of the group on goal difference after matchday one, while Ivory Coast hold second place with three points each.
Germany have no fresh injury concerns, though Serge Gnabry remains sidelined from earlier. Manuel Neuer is fit again. Ivory Coast face doubt over Evan Ndicka with a hamstring issue, and several players are managing fatigue after their first game. Amad Diallo looks likely to start after his late winner against Ecuador.
Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz should create plenty in midfield, while Kai Havertz already has a brace from the opener. Deniz Undav could feature off the bench again after his recent form. For Ivory Coast, Yan Diomande and Franck Kessié provide pace and drive, but containing Germany's fluid attack won't be straightforward.
Expect Germany to push forward early and build on their goal difference advantage. Ivory Coast will sit compact and look for counters through Diallo, yet the gap in recent results suggests the Europeans hold the edge. A win here would put Germany in a strong position for early knockout qualification.
Recommended Bets
Germany -1.5 @1.95 — They netted seven in the opener and face a side that has conceded in most recent outings.
Over 3.5 goals @2.10 — Germany's last five matches produced high totals and Ivory Coast's defense looked stretched in their win.
Jamal Musiala anytime goalscorer @2.40 — He has been central to their attacking moves and should find space against the African side's midfield.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
