Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice as Germany came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto on Saturday, securing qualification for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The dramatic Group E clash appeared to be slipping away from the four-time world champions after Ivory Coast took the lead through Franck Kessie in the first half. However, Undav emerged as Germany’s hero, scoring in the 68th minute before netting a stoppage-time winner to complete a remarkable comeback.
Germany dominated large portions of the opening half and even had two goals ruled out. Despite their attacking pressure, it was the African champions who struck first. Kessie finished off a move created by the influential Yan Diomande in the 30th minute, giving Ivory Coast a surprise lead heading into halftime.
The goal energized the Ivorians, who continued to threaten through their pace and direct attacking style. Germany, meanwhile, struggled to convert possession into goals and faced the possibility of suffering a costly defeat in their second group match.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann responded by introducing Undav from the bench, a move that transformed the match. Eight minutes after entering the field, the striker produced a composed volley to level the score and restore Germany’s hopes.
Both teams pushed for a winner during the closing stages, creating an entertaining end-to-end contest. As the match entered stoppage time, Felix Nmecha delivered a pass into the penalty area and Undav reacted quickest, turning and firing past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana to complete the comeback.
Reuters reported that the victory secured Germany’s place in the knockout rounds for the first time since their 2014 World Cup-winning campaign. The result also maintained Germany’s perfect record in Group E after their opening victory over Curacao.
For Ivory Coast, the defeat was a painful setback after an impressive performance against one of the tournament favorites. The West Africans remain in contention for qualification but will need a positive result in their final group match to keep their hopes alive.
Germany now head into their final group fixture against Ecuador full of confidence, while Ivory Coast prepare for a decisive encounter with Curacao. For Undav, however, the night belonged entirely to him as his two goals delivered one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks.
