Germany secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after substitute striker Deniz Undav scored a dramatic late brace to inspire a 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in Toronto on Saturday.
The four-time world champions looked set for a frustrating evening after falling behind to a first-half strike from Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie.
However ,Undav once again proved Germany’s super-sub, scoring twice in the second half to send Julian Nagelsmann’s side into the Round of 32.
Germany had dominated much of the opening period but were denied by two disallowed goals.
First, Aleksandar Pavlovic saw his header ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, before a Kai Havertz effort was chalked off after a foul by Jamal Musiala in the build-up.
Despite Germany’s pressure, Ivory Coast struck first in the 30th minute.
Teenage sensation Yan Diomande sparked the move before Amad Diallo forced a save from Nathaniel Brown, with Kessie reacting quickest to fire home the rebound and give the Elephants a 1-0 lead.
The African side threatened to extend their advantage after the break, but missed opportunities from Kessie and Christ Inao Oulai kept Germany within reach.
Nagelsmann’s substitutions eventually changed the game. In the 68th minute, fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri delivered a dangerous cross that Undav expertly converted to level the scores.
As the match headed towards a draw, Germany struck the decisive blow deep into stoppage time.
In the 94th minute, Undav brilliantly controlled a pass from Felix Nmecha before turning and firing beyond Fofana to complete the comeback and break Ivorian hearts.
The victory gives Germany six points from two matches and guarantees qualification for the knockout rounds from Group E. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, remain in contention and can still advance if they defeat World Cup debutants Curacao in their final group-stage match.
Undav continues to emerge as one of the tournament’s most influential impact players, having already contributed a goal and two assists off the bench in Germany’s 7-1 opening victory over Curacao.
His latest heroics ensured Germany maintained their perfect start and underlined their credentials as serious contenders for the World Cup crown.
