Germany secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Deniz Undav scored twice to inspire a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in their Group E clash on Saturday night.
Played at Toronto Stadium, the encounter looked set to produce one of the tournament’s biggest upsets before Undav emerged as Germany’s hero with a late brace, including a stoppage-time winner.
Ivory Coast started brightly and were rewarded in the 30th minute when captain Franck Kessie opened the scoring. The move was sparked by an impressive run from Yan Diomande, whose pace and low delivery created the opportunity for Kessie to finish and put the Africans ahead.
Germany struggled to break down a disciplined Ivory Coast side for much of the contest and appeared headed for defeat before coach intervention changed the game.
Undav was introduced in the 60th minute and transformed Germany’s attack almost immediately.
The forward drew Germany level in the 68th minute, arriving at the right moment to volley home a cross from Nadiem Amiri and restore belief among the German supporters.
With the match heading toward a draw, Germany struck again deep into added time. In the 94th minute, Felix Nmecha threaded a decisive pass into Undav’s path and the striker kept his composure to slot home the winner and complete a memorable turnaround.
The goals continued Undav’s impressive international form, taking his tally to nine goals in his last 11 appearances for Germany.
The victory means Germany advance to the Round of 32 with a game to spare, joining the United States and Mexico among the teams already through.
For Ivory Coast, the defeat leaves qualification hopes alive but unresolved, with their final group match now set to determine whether they can still progress to the knockout rounds.