Germany sealed their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in their Group E clash at Toronto Stadium on Saturday.
The four-time champions came from behind to defeat the Elephants courtesy of a brace from Stuttgart forward Denis Undav, who continued his impressive form in the tournament.
It marked a huge victory for Germany who had thrashed Curaçao 7-1 in their opening game, while for Ivory Coast, it was their first defeat in the 2026 World Cup, following a 1-0 win over Ecuador in their opener.
Germany made a strong start to the game and almost got a lead in the 11th minute as Joshua Kimmich’s cross found Kai Havertz. However, the Arsenal striker’s header was brilliantly saved by Yahia Fofana.
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Jamal Musiala and Felix Nmecha both came close to breaking the deadlock minutes later, but their efforts failed to hit the target. In the 23rd minute, the European side found the net, but the goal was ruled out as Aleksander Pavlovic was deemed to have fouled Fofana.
Ivory Coast took the lead in the 30th minute as Yan Diomande continued his brilliant form, running with the ball down the left flank before flashing a cross to Amad Diallo. Amad’s effort was blocked by Nathaniel Brown, but the ball fell to Franck Kessié who made no mistake, firing into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
10 minutes later, Germany had the ball in the back of the net for a second time, but once again, it was disallowed, this time due to Musiala fouling Odilon Kossounou in the build up to the goal.
Ivory Coast came close to doubling their advantage in the 53rd minute as Amad found Christ Inao Oulaï inside the box. However, the Trabzonspor midfielder could not keep his effort under the crossbar.
Julian Nagelsmann made a triple substitution in the 60th minute, introducing Denis Undav, Nadien Amiri, and Jamie Leweling. The changes proved to be crucial, helping Germany complete a dramatic comeback.
Just eight minutes later, two of the substitutes combined to make it 1-1 as Amiri picked out Undav with a wonderful cross, before the Stuttgart forward volleyed the ball into the net to level the score line.
The final minutes of the game saw both sides go for the winning goal, and in the 90th minute, Ivory Coast missed a glorious opportunity to claim all three points. Substitute Nicolas Pépé made a bursting run on the right flank before finding Simon Adingra who was free inside the box. However, the Monaco winger took a touch instead of shooting, allowing Germany recover and pinch back possession.
The African side were nearly punished immediately as at the other end, Nathaniel Brown hit a low shot that was heading into the bottom corner. But the left back’s effort was saved by Fofana.
In the 94th minute, Germany snatched the winner through Undav who took a brilliant touch after a powerful pass from Nmecha, before firing past Fofana to complete a remarkable turnaround, securing a 2-1 win for his side.
The result means that Germany go top of Group E with six points and are through to the round of 32 with one game to spare. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast remain second with three points and will need a result against Curaçao in their final group game to secure their spot in the next round.
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