Germany centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 World Cup after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left ankle during Saturday's Group E match against Ivory Coast.

The Borussia Dortmund defender, 26, went off at half-time of Germany's 2-1 victory, replaced by Antonio Rudiger. A statement from the Germany national team confirmed he faces several months on the sidelines.

Despite the prognosis, the statement noted that Schlotterbeck would remain with the squad in the United States for the time being, a decision that has drawn praise from manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann's tribute to his stricken defender

Nagelsmann was candid about the blow to his squad, saying Schlotterbeck would be