Germany: Wirtz and Musiala Elevate Germany to Title Contenders

Germany are widely regarded as WC2026's most dangerous attacking team. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich) and Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) form the best creative midfield pairing in the tournament — both players carry with pace, shoot from distance, and link with movement that defenders struggle to track.

Julian Nagelsmann's 4-2-3-1 uses Kai Havertz (Arsenal) as the false nine, dropping deep to create overloads while Musiala and Wirtz run beyond. Joshua Kimmich's distribution from deep is elite — 92% pass accuracy in qualifying. Germany averaged 3.1 xG per 90 across UEFA qualifying.

Ivory Coast: AFCON Champions Bring African Swagger

Ivory Coast arrive as reigning AFCON champions, defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final on home soil. Sébastien Haller leads the attack — his hold-up play and heading ability make him a unique threat. Amad Diallo (Manchester United) on the right wing is one of the most exciting 22-year-olds in the tournament.

Franck Kessie provides the physical and technical balance in central midfield — 4 qualifying goals from box-to-box runs. Emerse Faé's 4-3-3 builds possession through wing play and uses Haller as the reference point. Simon on the left and Diallo on the right provide width and pace — defenders rarely get comfortable.

Head-to-Head

Germany lead 2–1. Last meeting: 2–1 Germany win in 2010 World Cup group stage.

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