Germany’s defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 World Cup and will face several months of recovery following an ankle ligament injury sustained during the group stage match against Ivory Coast on Saturday. The injury was confirmed after scans conducted at the team’s base in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Sunday, which revealed a torn medial collateral ligament in his left ankle.

Schlotterbeck, 26, who plays for Borussia Dortmund and is a key figure in Germany’s defense, was forced off at halftime after suffering the injury early in the match. His replacement, Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger, is set to start in Germany’s upcoming group match against Ecuador on Thursday. Germany has already secured top spot in Group E and advanced to the knockout stage, their first progression at a World Cup in 12 years.

German coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed regret at the loss of Schlotterbeck, emphasizing the defender’s importance both on and off the field. “Schlotti will be greatly missed on the pitch as an outstanding defender, especially for his excellent build-up play. It could have been his World Cup,” Nagelsmann said, while also noting that Schlotterbeck’s decision to remain with the squad is a positive sign for team morale. Nagelsmann added that other defenders, including Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw, remain available to maintain the team’s defensive strength.

German Football Association sporting director Rudi Völler described the injury as “severe” and expressed sympathy for both the player and the team. Völler praised Schlotterbeck’s choice to stay with the national team and noted that Borussia Dortmund supports the player’s ongoing treatment under the national team medical staff.

Schlotterbeck addressed fans via social media, encouraging support for the team despite his absence. He wrote, “What matters now is the team. They deserve the full support of all Germans... Let’s stand together and show that we’re behind this German team in good times and bad.” He also acknowledged the personal difficulty of the setback, stating that he needed time before discussing the injury details further.

This injury adds to Germany’s recent list of defensive setbacks following earlier losses of players Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry due to injury. FIFA regulations prevent Germany from calling up a replacement player for Schlotterbeck during the tournament, as substitutions to the squad are only permitted for goalkeepers once the competition has started.

For Borussia Dortmund, Schlotterbeck’s injury will also have implications beyond the World Cup, as he is expected to miss pre-season preparations. The defender had recently renewed his contract with Dortmund through 2031 and will miss the team’s first competitive match of the new season in the German Super Cup against Bayern Munich on August 22. The club offered public support, posting “We’re with you, Schlotti” on social media.