Germany centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck will take no further part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left ankle, the German national team confirmed.

The 26-year-old Borussia Dortmund defender was forced off at half-time during Germany's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday, replaced by Antonio Rudiger. Germany's medical staff have since confirmed the injury will sideline Schlotterbeck for several months.

Despite the severity of the setback, Schlotterbeck will remain with the squad in the United States for the foreseeable future. Under tournament regulations, Germany cannot call up a replacement once the competition has begun.

A tournament that started so brightly

Schlotterbeck had been one of Germany's standout performers at the tournament, playing the full 90 minutes in their 7-1 opening win against Curacao — netting their second goal — before appearing again in the Ivory Coast match.

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann paid tribute to the defender, expressing his disappointment at losing such a key figure.