‘We’ll Go Eyeball-to-Eyeball’: Ivory Coast Vow To Challenge Germany’s World Cup Might

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae has declared his side will take on Germany without fear when the two nations meet in a pivotal Group E encounter at Toronto’s BMO Field on Saturday.

The Elephants arrive full of confidence after securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their opening match, with Amad Diallo striking a last-gasp winner in the 90th minute.

It was only the second time Ivory Coast have won their opening fixture at a World Cup, and the result extended an impressive run of form that has seen the West Africans record four victories this year.

Since their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final exit to Egypt in 2025, Fae’s men have registered notable wins over South Korea, Scotland and France, building momentum ahead of the global showpiece.

Yet an even sterner examination awaits against a Germany side that sent a powerful statement of intent by demolishing tournament debutants Curaçao 7-1 in their opening match.

Kai Havertz scored twice, while Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav also found the net in a ruthless attacking display.

Julian Nagelsmann’s team have won all of their matches in 2026, including victories over Switzerland, Ghana, Finland and co-hosts the United States.

Despite Germany’s formidable pedigree, Fae insists his players will approach the contest with ambition rather than caution.

“It will be a difficult match again. It’s Germany,” Fae said.

“They have lots and lots of experience. They have won the World Cup several times. They have players at the greatest European clubs. They have striking power.

“Winning 7-1 in the first match of this competition is significant, but we’ll go there to win. We want to secure qualification as early as possible.”

The former Ivory Coast international believes his side possess the quality and belief to challenge one of football’s traditional giants.

“We’ll go eyeball-to-eyeball with them and we’ll try to give it our all,” he added.

“We have our own qualities. We’ll lean on our strengths and we’ll try to bring down the German wall.”