Ecuador vs. Germany confirmed lineups: Nagelsmann opts against rotation as Caicedo earns captaincy for final World Cup 2026 Group E game

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided to make just two changes to his starting lineup for this evening’s 2026 World Cup Group E fixture against Ecuador in New Jersey.

Many anticipated that Nagelsmann would make multiple changes and freshen up his lineup, as Die Mannschaft have already qualified for the last 32 as group winners following wins over Curacao and Ivory Coast.

However, the German boss has made it clear that he is keen to maintain momentum and has opted to make one tactical change as well as one enforced alteration.

In the absence of injured Nico Schlotterbeck, who is ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with a hamstring issue, Antonio Rudiger will deputise at centre-back alongside Jonathan Tah.

The other change sees Bayern Munich-bound Nathaniel Brown replaced at left-back by David Raum, while captain Joshua Kimmich retains his starting spot on the right side of a four-man defence that will protect goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Felix Nmecha and Alexander Pavlovic will continue to link arms in centre-midfield, as Jamal Musiala operates in the number 10 role between wingers Leroy Sane and Florian Wirtz.

Despite contributing to five goals (three goals, two assists) in the opening two group games as a substitute, Deniz Undav has not been rewarded with a start and will begin on the bench once again, as Kai Havertz continues to lead the line.

Ordonez, Angulo recalled as Caicedo takes Ecuador captaincy

As for Ecuador, head coach Sebastian Beccacece has also made two changes to his team after that were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Curacao last weekend.

AC Milan wideman Pervis Estupinan and midfielder Jordy Alcivar have been replaced by Joel Ordonez and Sunderland attacker Nilson Angulo.

Ordonez is set to play alongside PSG’s William Pacho at centre-back and Alan Franco and Piero Hincapie - who has completed a permanent move to Arsenal today - start as full-backs.

Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo continues in midfield, but he will wear the captain's armband ahead of veteran striker Enner Valencia, who keeps his place up front and is looking to score a record-extending 50th goal for his country.

Gonzalo Plata will join Valencia in attack, while Pedro Vite, John Yeboah and Angulo will begin in midfield, the latter two are set to operate out wide.

Ecuador realistically need to best Germany if they wish to qualify for the knockout rounds, as they currently sit third in Group E with just one point, two points behind Ivory Coast in second.

Ecuador starting lineup: GalIndez; Franco, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie; Yeboah, Vite, Caicedo, Angulo; Plata, Valencia

Subs: Torres, Alcivar, Estupinan, Anthony Valencia, Paez, Rodgriguez, Ramirez, Minda, Jordy Caicedo, Preciado, Castillo, Valle, Arevalo, Porozo, Medina

Germany starting lineup: Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Raum; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz

Subs: Anton, Goretzka, Leweling, Woltemade, Baumann, Gross, Beier, Stiller, Amiri, Nubel, Thiaw, Ouedraogo, Undav