7M - Germany Defender Nico Schlotterbeck Sidelined For Remainder Of FIFA World Cup Due To Severe Ankle Injury

Germany national team has suffered a major defensive setback during the FIFA World Cup 2026 as centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament. The 26 year old Borussia Dortmund defender sustained a medial ligament injury to his left ankle during a 2-1 Group E victory against Ivory Coast, an official statement from the German Football Federation confirmed.

Medical examinations conducted at the squad training camp in Winston-Salem revealed that Schlotterbeck faces an extended recovery period lasting several months. Despite starting both of Germany opening tournament matches and playing a pivotal role in the defensive setup, his participation on the pitch has prematurely concluded, though he intends to remain with the national squad in the United States to offer off-field support.

Expressing his disappointment, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged that the team would deeply miss the defender exceptional abilities and precise build-up play from the back. However, Nagelsmann expressed full confidence in the collective depth of his roster, highlighting capable central defensive alternatives such as Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw to sustain their championship campaign.