Germany sealed their place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in Toronto, ending a 12-year wait to progress beyond the group stage.
Substitute Deniz Undav proved the difference with two goals in 26 second-half minutes, turning what appeared to be a shock defeat into an important win for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
Ivory Coast took the lead after 30 minutes through captain Franck Kessie, who converted from close range after Yan Diomande’s run and cross carved open the German defence.
Germany dominated possession and carved out chances through Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and Felix Nmecha, but Yahia Fofana kept them out with a series of impressive stops. Two goals were also disallowed for fouls.
Nagelsmann responded with a triple substitution on the hour mark, introducing Undav, Nadiem Amiri, and others to change the dynamic. Within eight minutes, the Stuttgart striker levelled after volleying in Amiri’s cross.
The game remained in the balance until the 94th minute. Nmecha played a composed pass inside the area and Undav took a touch before firing into the corner to secure all three points in dramatic fashion.
The result means Germany win Group E with a game to spare, joining the United States and Mexico as the first nations to confirm their places in the last 32. It also ends their run of two consecutive group stage exits.
Undav now has five goal contributions across just 56 minutes of World Cup football, having also registered a goal and two assists in the opening group game against Curacao. His case to start is growing.
Ivory Coast, who opened with a win over Ecuador, still have a route to the knockouts. They require a result in their final group game against Curacao on June 25 to reach the last 32 for the first time in their history.
