Germany produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 at Toronto Stadium on Saturday and secure their place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Emerse Fae’s Côte d’Ivoire looked destined for qualification after Franck Kessie’s first-half strike put Les Éléphants ahead, but substitute Deniz Undav emerged as Germany’s hero with a second-half brace, including a stoppage-time winner that shattered Ivorian hopes.
Germany nearly made the perfect start when Kai Havertz won an aerial duel straight from kick-off and fired narrowly over the crossbar. The forward was presented with another opportunity moments later, but his low header from Joshua Kimmich’s pinpoint cross was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
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The four-time world champions thought they had taken the lead when Aleksandar Pavlovic headed home from a corner, only for the goal to be ruled out after the midfielder was adjudged to have used his elbow.
Côte d’Ivoire absorbed the early pressure and struck against the run of play on the half-hour mark. Yan Diomande surged down the left flank and delivered a dangerous low cross that found Amad Diallo. Although Nathaniel Brown blocked the initial effort, he could not prevent Kessie from pouncing on the rebound to give the Africans a precious lead.
Les Éléphants defended resolutely at the start of the second half, forcing Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to turn to his bench. The introduction of Nadiem Amiri and Deniz Undav on the hour transformed the contest.
Just eight minutes later, Amiri delivered a perfectly weighted cross and Undav rose to power home the equaliser from close range.
Côte d’Ivoire almost regained the lead when substitute Nicolas Pépé broke down the right wing and found Simon Adingra in space inside the box. However, the winger’s heavy touch allowed Germany’s defence to recover and clear the danger.
That missed opportunity proved costly. Four minutes into stoppage time, Lukas Nmecha threaded an intelligent pass into the path of Undav, who turned brilliantly and finished clinically to complete Germany’s comeback and break Ivorian hearts.
The victory guarantees Germany progression to the Round of 32 and keeps alive their hopes of finishing top of Group E, pending the outcome of the clash between Curaçao and Ecuador.