This is the most eagerly anticipated game in Group E and these Spain vs. Germany predictions suggest it could be a close one. Whoever wins should become favourites to top the group.
Spain vs. Germany odds
1 – Germany to win – 2/1
2 – Over 2.5 goals scored – 4/5
3 – Both teams to score – 7/10
4 – Germany to win and BTTS – 5/1
5 – Germany to win 2-1 – 11/1
Both these teams will be confident of progressing from the group stage but a victory in Al Khor on Sunday would be a major statement to the rest of the tournament. Spain and Germany are both regarded as being in the tier below the World Cup favourites here and will be keen to change some of those perceptions.
Luis Enrique has been proving over the last few years that a system is more effective than individual star players and will be hoping that this World Cup is the perfect time for his plans to come to fruition.
But his side meets a German team that is also under pressure to improve on the disastrous showing in Russia four years ago – and the Nations League campaigns that have followed. Spain have enough talent to trouble their opponents but they need the likes of Pedri and Gavi to really turn it on if they are to come away with three points.
It seems more likely that it will be Germany that stand up to the pressure and gain a crucial victory this weekend. Results have been curiously inconsistent over the last year or so but there are signs that an exciting young forward line is beginning to gel. It just depends on whether Kai Havertz will be able to lead the line to good effect.
The biggest question might be which Germany turns up for this tournament though. We had been used to an all-conquering, confident team that rolled through World Cups and Euros. But recent years have burst that sense of entitlement. A win here would do a lot to bring it back.
How to stream Spain vs. Germany
Spain vs. Germany will be shown by the BBC in the UK and will be available on iPlayer – as well as online around the world.
Spain vs. Germany last five matches
Spain last five matches
Germany last five matches
Spain top World Cup goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 3 | |
| 2 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 |
Germany top World Cup goalscorers
| Player | Total goals |
|---|---|
| 2 | |
| 2 | |
| 1 | |
| 1 | |
| 0 |
Spain vs. Germany line-ups
Spain (4-3-3): Símon; Carvajal, Laporte, Martínez, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; Olmo, Morata, Williams
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kehrer, Süle, Rüdiger, Raum; Kimmich, Goretzka; Gnabry, Müller, Musiala; Havertz
Spain team news
Barring any late injury worries, Luis Enrique should look to the two young Barcelona stars, Pedri and Gavi to create in the middle of the pitch and hope that Álvaro Morata can turn in a goalscoring performance up front. Ferran Torres will be waiting in the wings if not.
Germany team news
Hansi Flick will probably have to do without Leroy Sané again so there could be another chance for Jamal Musiala to show why he is so highly rated at Bayern Munich. Joshua Kimmich should get the nod ahead of Ilkay Gündogan in the middle. But expect the Manchester City player to feature at some point in the proceedings.
Want Germany to win no matter what margin the score is
Must win for Germans to move forward