- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Undav’s Late Double Sends Germany Through as Ivory Coast Fall Agonisingly Short
Germany booked their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Deniz Undav scored twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, to secure a 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in a gripping Group E encounter at Toronto Stadium on Saturday.
The four-time world champions looked set for another frustrating night after trailing for much of the contest, but Undav emerged as Germany’s hero with two second-half goals that kept Die Mannschaft’s perfect record intact and guaranteed progression to the next round.
Germany began brightly and dominated the early exchanges. Kai Havertz came close with a header that was well saved by Yahia Fofana, while Jamal Musiala and Felix Nmecha both fired narrowly off target. The Germans also had an early goal ruled out after Aleksandar Pavlovic was adjudged to have fouled the Ivorian goalkeeper in the build-up.
Despite Germany’s control, Ivory Coast struck first against the run of play in the 30th minute. Yan Diomande produced an excellent run down the left before delivering a dangerous low cross into the penalty area. Amad Diallo’s initial effort was blocked, but the loose ball fell kindly for Franck Kessie, who reacted quickest to steer home and give the Elephants a surprise lead.
The African side nearly doubled their advantage eight minutes later when Ange Yoan Bonny curled a powerful effort towards goal, only for veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to make an important save.
Germany thought they had equalised just before halftime when Havertz finished from close range, but celebrations were cut short as the goal was disallowed following a foul by Musiala on Odilon Kossounou.
Holding a 1-0 advantage at the break, Ivory Coast grew in confidence after the restart and almost found a second goal in the 51st minute. Diallo created space for Christ Inao Oulai, but the midfielder sent his effort over the crossbar from a promising position.
With his side struggling to break down the resilient Ivorians, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench on the hour mark, introducing Jamie Leweling, Nadiem Amiri and Deniz Undav.
The changes transformed the match. After Havertz missed a headed opportunity from a corner, Germany finally found their breakthrough in the 68th minute. Amiri delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank that evaded everyone in the middle before reaching Undav, who arrived perfectly to volley home from close range and level the scores.
Ivory Coast responded with substitutions of their own, introducing Evann Guessand, Seko Fofana and Simon Adingra as they sought to regain momentum.
The Elephants nearly restored their lead in the 88th minute when Nicolas Pepe surged down the right and picked out Adingra inside the area. However, the winger took an extra touch instead of shooting first time, allowing Germany to recover and clear the danger.
Moments later, Fofana was called into action at the other end, producing an excellent save to deny Nathaniel Brown, before Amiri also tested the goalkeeper during stoppage time.
Just when the contest appeared destined to end in a draw, Germany delivered the decisive blow.
In the fourth minute of added time, Felix Nmecha threaded a clever pass into the penalty area where Undav controlled brilliantly, turned sharply and fired a low finish beyond Fofana to complete the comeback and spark wild celebrations among the German players and supporters.
The victory moves Germany into the knockout phase with a game to spare, while Ivory Coast must now defeat Curacao in their final group match and hope other results go their way to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Germany will conclude their Group E campaign against Ecuador in New Jersey on June 25, while Ivory Coast face Curacao in Philadelphia at the same time.
