Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann defended Leroy Sane after criticism of the winger’s performance in the team’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ahead of Germany’s second Group E fixture against Côte d’Ivoire on June 20, Nagelsmann said he remained confident in Sane and indicated that outside criticism would not prompt a change to the starting lineup.
Germany opened its campaign on June 14 in Houston with a 7-1 win over Curaçao. Kai Havertz scored twice, with a penalty before half-time and another goal in the 88th minute, as Germany won by six goals. Sane started the match and, information from accounts of Nagelsmann’s comments, remained in the coach’s plans despite scrutiny from commentators.
Nagelsmann’s response distinguished between outside discussion and the coaching staff’s assessment of a player’s contribution. He also cautioned against letting a negative narrative shape how every subsequent action is judged, and voiced concern about the effect of critical media coverage on his players.
Germany’s match against Côte d’Ivoire was scheduled as the second Group E fixture, with Ecuador and Curaçao completing the group. Germany went on to win 2-1, according to coverage of the second round. The result followed the side’s emphatic opening victory and made the Côte d’Ivoire fixture a consequential early test in the group.
The 2026 World Cup has also drawn interest in Spain, where Germany’s performances attract attention because of the countries’ footballing connections and Bundesliga players with ties to La Liga. Germany’s strong start raised expectations, while the debate around Sane showed how closely individual performances can be scrutinized during a major tournament.
