Huge Setback! Germany star ruled out for remainder of 2026 World Cup

Germany have secured qualification into the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup but their adventure at the tournament will continue without the involvement of a key player.

Julian Nagelsmann’s team secured a place in the knockout round with an impressive 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast but suffered a huge setback when Nico Schlotterbeck was subbed off due to an injury.

Schlotterbeck initially received treatment and attempted to continue, but was unable to finish the match and was replaced at half-time after the extent of the problem became clear.

The Borussia Dortmund defender has now been ruled out of the tournament with a serious ankle injury.

Nico Schlotterbeck receives medical attention during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

As per the DFB, an MRI scan confirmed Schlotterbeck suffered medial ligament damage in his left ankle, which typically carries a recovery time of around two months.

The diagnosis ended hopes that the injury was less serious and leaves Germany without one of their most important defenders for the remainder of the tournament.

Schlotterbeck had become a central figure in Nagelsmann’s back line alongside Jonathan Tah.

Reacting to the news, Nagelsmann said via the DFB website: “We will miss Schlotti a great deal on the pitch as an outstanding defender, especially his excellent playmaking. This could have been his World Cup. We all tried to cheer him up yesterday – luckily, he’s a very positive guy who’s already looking ahead. It’s a good sign that he’s staying with the team for now, because he also has an influence off the pitch. Despite his absence, we are still very well positioned in central defense for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw.”

Antonio Rudiger who was brought in at half-time to replace Schlotterbeck is expected to play alongside Tah as the tournament progresses.

Meanwhile, Schlotterbeck will begin the early stages of his rehabilitation under Germany’s medical staff before returning to Dortmund.