Undav’s injury-time goal sees Germany beat Ivory Coast to top World Cup | World Cup 2026 news

Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Group E, sealing a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Deniz Undav scored twice from the bench as Germany staged a thrilling comeback beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their World Cup Group E competition, securing their first place in the finals since winning the tournament in 2014.

After having two goals denied in the first half on Saturday, Germany kept their focus and used difficult tactics to find a way, while West Africa produced their own style of attacking play in the Group E clash.

Undav leveled the score with a fine, straight finish in the 68th minute and struck again when he received a pass on the turn, before crossing and firing a shot that Yahia Fofana had no chance of stopping.

The versatile player now has nine goals in his last eight games.

Simon Adingra had a late chance for the Ivory Coast, but he failed to clear a shot in the area before Germany collapsed in the box and Fofana blocked a low ball from Nathaniel Brown.

Ivory Coast opened the scoring in the first half when Franck Kessie headed home Amad Diallo’s cross from Yan Diomande’s left-hand side.

With over 100,000 German immigrants living in Toronto, Julian Nagelsmann’s father received a lot of support but was a frustrated team at the time with nothing to show for his eight attempts.

Germany looked to have opened the scoring when midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic rose to meet a short corner in the 25th minute but he appeared to have fouled Fofana in the process.

The decision left Pavlovic with his hands on his head in disbelief as Fofana received a standing ovation after the collision, and Germany’s attacking team showed their disdain for the referee’s actions.

Soon after, it was Ivory Coast who broke through with Kessie’s goal. The West Africans have scored in their last seven matches in the competition – the longest international streak in their history.

Germany put the ball in the back of the net again, but their celebrations were cut short when the referee ruled that Jamal Musiala had collided with Odilon Kossounou in the build-up.

Germany top Group E with six points and are close to reaching the last 32, while Ivory Coast remain third after two games. Ecuador and Curacao meet in Kansas City later on Saturday.

Germany will close the group stage against Ecuador on Thursday in New Jersey, while the Ivory Coast will face Curacao in Philadelphia.