Schlotterbeck Faces Possible World Cup Exit After Knee Injury
Germany’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on June 21, 2026 sent the team into its first World Cup knockout stage since winning the tournament in 2014, but the match may also have ended Nico Schlotterbeck’s World Cup. The Germany defender was injured and substituted at halftime after what appeared to be a serious problem.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann said after the victory, "We suspect that Nico has a ligament injury. It does not look good." Schlotterbeck is scheduled for an MRI, which will determine the exact severity of the injury.
The report says he could be out for an extended period, and it is possible he will miss the rest of the tournament. Schlotterbeck has been one of Borussia Dortmund’s standout players this season and earned a starting role in Germany’s central defense at the World Cup.
The injury could also matter beyond the tournament, as transfer talk has linked him with a move to the Premier League, including Liverpool and Manchester United. A long recovery would be significant for the defender’s club future as well as Germany’s World Cup campaign.
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