Germany will play the Ivory Coast in a friendly next month after Egypt had to pull out due to World Cup qualifying commitments.

Joachim Low's side had been due to face the African Nations Cup winners on Wednesday, November 18 at Schalke's stadium.

However, Egypt face Algeria in a crucial decider on November 14 and 18 so have been forced to abandon their European jaunt. The Ivory Coast will therefore step in to fill the breach.

DFB general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach said: "Given these circumstances, there simply were too many uncertainties involved in the planning of the match in Gelsenkirchen, so we have decided to seek a friendly agreement with the Egyptian Association and arrange another opponent for this date."

Low admits it was important to find an African opponent as part of their preparations for next summer's World Cup.

"We have the date in November specifically looking for an African opponent, because for us on the road to the World Cup in South Africa, a test against a team from that continent is important," he said.

"I am therefore pleased that the DFB have managed to secure the match against the Ivorians.

"It will be a real test as they combine the best of African football - technique, dynamism, creativity and passion, but also good tactical discipline and organisation."

Germany also face Chile on November 14 in Cologne.