Germany to avoid wholesale rotation against Ecuador, says Nagelsmann

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Wednesday that his side would not make wholesale changes for its final World Cup group match against Ecuador, despite having already secured a place in the round of 32.

Nagelsmann said the coaching staff had discussed possible rotation in detail, but Germany still needed competitive rhythm after playing only two matches at the tournament.

Deniz Undav (R) of Germany scores a goal during the group E match between Germany and Cote d'Ivoire at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada, on June 20, 2026. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

"We still have one game that we really want to win, and we want to prepare ourselves for the knockout phase," he said at the pre-match press conference. "I don't think it makes much sense to rotate too much."

Germany has won both of its opening matches, but suffered a defensive setback after Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament through injury.

Nagelsmann said Antonio Rudiger was in strong physical condition and could be given a larger role against Ecuador.

"His knee is not bothering him and he feels very good," Nagelsmann said. "He did a great job when he came on in the last match and gave the team a lot."

The Germany coach also warned that Ecuador's results had not reflected the quality of its performances in its first two group matches.

"I watched both games and I think they should have won them," he said. "They have to put everything into this match, so they may be a little more offensive than usual."

Nagelsmann described Ecuador as a physically strong and defensively stable side that had shown its quality during World Cup qualifying. He also expects a lively atmosphere, with Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece estimating that around 55,000 Ecuadorian supporters could attend the match.

"There will be emotions from both sides, and that is good," Nagelsmann said. "That is what the World Cup should be like."

Germany forward Deniz Undav, who has made an impact from the bench in the opening two matches, said he was comfortable with his current role.

"Whether I start or come on later does not matter," Undav said. "The most important thing is that the team wins. I came off the bench twice, and we won both games, so I am very happy."

Germany failed to progress from the group stage at the previous two World Cups, but Nagelsmann said the team was determined to look forward rather than dwell on past disappointments.

"Our journey is not over yet," he said. "We have to stay humble, remain a good competitor and keep playing with emotion. Then we will see how far we can go in this tournament."