Germany have been dealt a significant setback at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defender Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to an ankle injury.
The 26-year-old centre-back picked up the injury during Germany’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday. Schlotterbeck was substituted at half-time and replaced by Antonio Rudiger.
Germany’s football federation confirmed that the Borussia Dortmund defender suffered damage to the medial collateral ligament in his left ankle and is expected to be sidelined for several months.
Although he will play no further part in the tournament, Schlotterbeck is expected to remain with the German squad in the United States for now.
Germany had already secured qualification for the knockout stage as Group E winners before their final group match against Ecuador. Tournament regulations prevent the team from naming a replacement.
Schlotterbeck had enjoyed a strong start to the World Cup, playing the entire match in Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao and scoring his side’s second goal.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed disappointment over the loss of one of his key defenders, praising Schlotterbeck’s defensive qualities and influence within the squad.
Germany’s remaining centre-back options include Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rudiger, Waldemar Anton and Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw.
The injury is another blow for Schlotterbeck after months of transfer speculation, which ended in April when he signed a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund until 2031.