Germany and Ivory Coast meet in Matchday 2 of Group E at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both teams started their campaigns with victories and know that another win would virtually guarantee qualification for the knockout stage.
Germany cruised past Curacao with a dominant 7-1 victory in their opening match, while Ivory Coast secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Ecuador thanks to a late goal from Amad Diallo in the 90th minute.
Germany’s victory over Curacao was a comfortable affair, during which they received no cards at all. Looking at their recent form, Germany have kept a clean disciplinary record in three of their last six matches and received only one card in two others. Across those six games, a total of just nine cards were shown involving Germany and their opponents.
Ivory Coast have also been involved in relatively clean contests, with five of their last six matches finishing Under the total cards line.
The referee assigned to this match is Juan Gabriel Benítez of Paraguay. Despite being a South American official, Benítez has maintained a notably low card average. Over his last ten matches, he has shown just 1.85 yellow cards per game and has not issued a single red card.
Considering Germany’s disciplined style, Ivory Coast’s recent card trends, and the referee’s low-card profile, there is strong support for an Under Cards selection in this fixture.
Pick: Ivory Coast + Card Handicap & Under Total Cards
First-Half Card Betting Analysis
Only one of Ivory Coast’s last five matches featured any cards in the first half, with yellow cards shown to S. Fofana, Franck Kessié, and Guéla Doué during the win over Ecuador.
Germany’s record is even more impressive, having gone six consecutive matches without receiving a first-half card.
Furthermore, nine of referee Juan Gabriel Benítez’s last ten matches produced no more than one yellow card before halftime.
All indicators point toward another quiet opening 45 minutes in terms of disciplinary action.
Pick: Ivory Coast + First-Half Card Handicap & Under First-Half Cards
Team News
Germany
Germany are expected to retain the same starting lineup that defeated Curacao. The attacking quartet of:
- Leroy Sané
- Jamal Musiala
- Florian Wirtz
- Kai Havertz
should once again lead the attack.
Ivory Coast
Striker Elye Wahi has reportedly received clearance to enter Canada and could be available for selection.
Meanwhile, Amad Diallo is pushing for a starting spot after making a strong impact off the bench in the opening match.
Predicted Lineups
Germany
Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Pavlovic, Nmecha; Sané, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz.
Ivory Coast
Y. Fofana; Doué, Singo, Agbadou, Konan; Diallo, Kessié, S. Fofana, Diomandé; Bonny, Touré.
Germany vs Ivory Coast Form & Head-to-Head
- Germany enter the match after a commanding 7-1 victory over Curacao.
- Ivory Coast opened their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Ecuador.
- Both teams currently sit on three points in Group E.
- The winner of this encounter will take a significant step toward securing qualification for the Round of 16.
Card Betting Prediction
- Full Match Cards: Under
- First-Half Cards: Under
- Card Handicap: Ivory Coast + Handicap (Full Match & First Half)