TORONTO — Germany has officially booked its place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014, following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. The win, anchored by a second-half brace from substitute Deniz Undav, marks a significant resurgence for the four-time champions who had struggled to advance past the group stage in their previous two tournament appearances.
The match began with high intensity as Germany dominated the early proceedings. Kai Havertz threatened the Ivory Coast goal repeatedly, forcing a crucial save from goalkeeper Yahia Fofana and narrowly missing an opening volley. Despite Germany's dominance, it was the Elephants who struck first against the run of play. Following a clever run and cross by Yan Diomande, a deflected effort fell to Franck Kessié, who finished with composure to give Ivory Coast a surprise lead.
Germany’s frustration mounted before halftime as a potential equalizer from Havertz was waved off by the referee due to a foul by Jamal Musiala in the build-up.
Ivory Coast carried their momentum into the second half, threatening to double their lead as Christ Inao Oulaï and Diomande narrowly missed chances to extend the deficit. Germany’s struggle to find the back of the net continued until the hour mark, when Havertz missed a header from a corner. The turning point arrived with the introduction of fresh legs from the bench. Nadiem Amiri provided a precise cross that found Deniz Undav, who buried a volley to level the scoreline.
With the game deep into stoppage time, Undav emerged as the decisive figure for Germany. He latched onto a pinpoint pass from Felix Nmecha and slotted the ball past Fofana to secure the win.
The result eliminates the disappointment of Germany's recent World Cup exits and shifts the pressure onto Ivory Coast, who must now secure a positive result in their final group game to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history alive.
