Germany play Ecuador in their third and final Group E clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tonight as the four-time champions aim to wrap-up the round with a 100% win record.
Having beaten Curacao and Ivory Coast, Die Mannschaft are already through to the Round of 32 as group winners, marking their first appearance in the knockout stages since going all the way in 2014.
Although La Tri can be a tough nut to crack, Germany coach Julian Naglesmann is widely expected to make a few changes to the XI here in order to give some of his key players a rest.
Supersub Deniz Undav could get his first start of the World Cup campaign after coming off the bench in both their clashes so far to net thrice for them, including a match-winning brace against Ivory Coast. Two players from the Borussia Dortmund contingent are also in line.
Wademar Anton and Maximilian Beier hoping to start
Germany were dealt a huge blow in their last game as defender Nico Schlotterbeck succumbed to an injury and has now been ruled out from the remainder of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
It opens the door now for his club teammate Waldemar Anton to come in and take his place at the centre of their backline hereafter.
So far, Anton has played for only seven minutes of Germany's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, coming off the bench to see out their 7-1 rout of Curacao. But against Ivory Coast, he was an unused substitute.
As for Maximilian Beier, the 23-year-old is yet to make an appearance for Germany at the tournament. He's been forced to watch both their clashes from the bench so far, something the BVB forward will be hoping to change tonight amid squad rotation.
The fact is, Beier is among the least experienced players in the side with only six in the current Germany squad having fewer caps than his nine, so Naglesmann must have been hesitant to give him a chance until now. But with progression sealed, he may finally be given his first minutes at the World Cup.
As for Felix Nmecha, he's been among their best players in the squad with a goal and an assist so far and Naglesmann wouldn't want to disrupt the player's momentum by benching him. He'd be vital in breaking down Ecuador's relatively stoic backline as the Dortmund star hopes to add to his tally tonight.
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