Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
David faces Goliath at Al Bayt Stadium as Germany and Costa Rica go head to head in the Group E decider. Germany need a big win over Costa Rica if they are to make it to the knockout stages, and they are likely to go all guns blazing at los Ticos. Werder Bremen forward Niclas Fullkrug, who scored the winner as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Spain, should be recalled to the starting XI, as well as fit-again winger Leroy Sane.
The nominal hosts, on the other hand, did well to shock Japan in their second group game, with the team keeping their last 16 hopes alive. In their last meeting at the World Cup finals, back in 2006, Germany outplayed Costa Rica 4-2, and given the importance of Thursday’s clash for Hansi Flick’s troops, anything but a routine away triumph would be a major surprise. To make things even worse for Costa Rica, defender Francisco Calvo is banned for the match.
Highlighted Player (Keylor Navas):
Keylor Navas is an exceptionally gifted goal keeper who plays for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Costa Rica national team. The 29-year-old rose through the youth ranks at Saprissa before making his professional bow with them in 2005.
After a successful stint with them, he ventured into Spanish football with a move to Albacete and then to Levante. His exploits at Levante earned him a move to Real Madrid where he quickly established as a first-team regular. Despite coming within seconds of moving away from the club to accommodate David de Gea, Navas became a crowd favorite with outstanding displays in 2015-16 season.
Navas has played over 60 games for Costa Rica having made his debut in 2008. He has represented them at the 2014 FIFA World Cup where Costa Rica were a losing quarter-finalists. Their progress in the tournament is largely attributed to the success of Navas under the sticks.