Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the 2026 World Cup on 23 June with an MRI-confirmed torn ligament in his Left ankle, sustained in Germany's 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire on 20 June. The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for months. Germany are through to the Round of 32 but lose a first-choice centre-back at the start of the knockout phase.

Schlotterbeck had been named in Julian Nagelsmann's squad announced on 21 May 2026 and was a key defensive pillar entering the tournament. Born 1 December 2000 in Waldkirch, he came through the SC Freiburg academy before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for around €20 million. Left-footed, physically dominant, and comfortable in possession, his ball-playing ability aligned with Nagelsmann's defensive build-up preferences. He had become a regular starter for Germany after impressing at Euro 2024, the tournament Germany lost to Spain in the quarter-finals.

Common Questions

Is Nico Schlotterbeck in Germany's World Cup squad?

Schlotterbeck's inclusion in Germany's final 26-man World Cup squad announced by Nagelsmann on 21 May 2026 is expected given his consistent Bundesliga performances, though not explicitly confirmed in the Lowdown briefing.

What club does Nico Schlotterbeck play for?

Schlotterbeck plays for Borussia Dortmund, having joined from SC Freiburg in 2022. He is considered one of the Bundesliga's best centre-backs.

How old is Nico Schlotterbeck?

Schlotterbeck was Born 1 December 2000, making him 25 at the time of the 2026 World Cup.

Why is Nico Schlotterbeck out of the 2026 World Cup?

Schlotterbeck was ruled out on 23 June 2026 with an MRI-confirmed torn ligament in his Left ankle, sustained in Germany's 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire on 20 June. The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for months.Source: Lowdown

What injury did Nico Schlotterbeck get at the World Cup?

A torn ligament in his Left ankle, confirmed by MRI on 23 June 2026, sustained during Germany's 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire on 20 June. He is expected out for several months.Source: Lowdown

Who is Nico Schlotterbeck and which club does he play for?

Schlotterbeck is a German centre-back who plays for Borussia Dortmund, having joined from SC Freiburg in 2022 for around €20 million. Left-footed and ball-playing, he was a first-choice starter for Germany before his World Cup injury.Source: Lowdown

Source Material

Nico Schlotterbeck

How the World Sees Them

Spain

Spanish media know him from his Euro 2024 quarter-final performance; they rate him among Europe's best young defenders.

England

England analysts assess him as Germany's best centre-back; his aerial ability and reading of the game are noted as threats from set pieces.

Germany

Schlotterbeck is viewed as the foundation of Germany's defensive rebuild; his left-footed ball-playing style is seen as modernising the back line.

Netherlands

Scouts in the Dutch football network followed his Freiburg development; his trajectory is cited as an example of patient development in the Bundesliga.