Germany’s World Cup campaign just got significantly harder. Nico Schlotterbeck, the Borussia Dortmund center-back who has become a cornerstone of Julian Nagelsmann’s defensive setup, tore his left ankle ligament during Germany’s Group E match against Ivory Coast on June 20.

The 26-year-old defender is expected to miss at least eight weeks, which almost certainly rules him out for the remainder of the tournament.

How the injury happened

The damage occurred early in the first half at the match venue in Toronto, Canada. Schlotterbeck was involved in a challenge with Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo, and the aftermath was immediately concerning.

Schlotterbeck played through the remainder of the first half despite the issue. But medical staff had seen enough by halftime, and Antonio Rudiger came on as his replacement.

The suspected diagnosis centers on medial collateral ligament damage to his left ankle. Further imaging was set to confirm the severity.

“Nico is suspected to have sustained a ligament injury. It’s not looking good.”

That was Nagelsmann’s assessment after the match.

A pattern that’s becoming hard to ignore

Schlotterbeck dealt with a meniscus tear during the 2024/25 season, along with various muscular problems that interrupted his availability for Borussia Dortmund. Now a torn ankle ligament during the biggest tournament of his career adds another chapter to what’s becoming a frustrating medical file.

An eight-week minimum absence starting in late June means Schlotterbeck would be pushing toward late August at the earliest for a return. The Bundesliga typically kicks off in mid-August, so the club could be starting their domestic season without one of their most important defenders.

What this means for Germany’s World Cup run

Schlotterbeck and Rudiger had formed a partnership that gave Germany genuine solidity at the back. Rudiger stepped in as the halftime replacement, but partnerships in central defense are built on understanding, communication, and repetition.

Germany is competing in Group E of the 2026 World Cup. Losing Schlotterbeck this early means every remaining match, from the group phase through any potential knockout rounds, will be played without a player Nagelsmann clearly views as integral to his plans.