Undav Scores Late Winner as Germany Rally Past Ivory Coast to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

Undav Scores Late Winner as Germany Rally Past Ivory Coast to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, as Germany came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 and secure a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The four-time world champions appeared headed for a disappointing result after trailing for much of the contest in Toronto, but Undav’s second-half brace completed a remarkable turnaround and ensured Germany maintained their perfect start to the tournament.

Ivory Coast struck first in the 30th minute through captain Franck Kessie. The move began with 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande, whose attacking run created space for Amad Diallo. Although Diallo’s initial effort was blocked, Kessie reacted quickest to convert the rebound and hand the Elephants the lead.

Germany had earlier thought they had opened the scoring when Aleksandar Pavlovic headed home from a corner in the 22nd minute, only for the effort to be ruled out following a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

The Germans continued to push for an equalizer after the break, and head coach Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench in search of inspiration. His triple substitution in the 60th minute proved decisive.

Just eight minutes later, substitutes Nadiem Amiri and Undav combined to level the score. Amiri delivered a cross into the area, which Undav finished clinically to bring Germany back into the game.

Ivory Coast had opportunities to restore their advantage, with both Christ Inao Oulai and Kessie failing to capitalize on promising chances. Those missed opportunities ultimately proved costly.

With the match heading toward a draw, Germany found one final breakthrough in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Felix Nmecha picked out Undav inside the penalty area, and the Stuttgart forward controlled the ball expertly before turning and firing past Fofana to complete the comeback.

The brace continues an impressive tournament for Undav, who also scored once and provided two assists after coming off the bench in Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curacao in their opening match. He has now scored nine goals in 11 appearances for Germany.

The victory guarantees Germany a place in the knockout stage and continues an encouraging World Cup campaign after disappointing group-stage exits in both 2018 and 2022.

Despite the defeat, Ivory Coast remain in contention for qualification. A win over Curaçao national football team in their final Group E match could still be enough to send the African side through to the last 32.

While the result was a painful one for Emerse Fae’s side, their performance offered plenty of encouragement. Young talents such as Yan Diomande, alongside experienced figures including Amad Diallo and Franck Kessie, showed signs that Ivory Coast could yet make history by reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time.