World Cup 2026: Germany Qualify For Knockout Round After Dramatic Win Against Côte d’Ivoire

Germany came from behind to beat Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 on Saturday night in Toronto, to reach the round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Substitute, Deniz Undav, was the hero as he scored twice in the second half, including a stoppage-time winner, to complete the comeback.

Franck Kessié had given Côte d’Ivoire the lead in the 30th minute, but Undav’s double in the final half-hour swung the match in Germany’s favor in front of a crowd in Toronto.

Germany had the upper hand in the early exchanges without finding the breakthrough. Kai Havertz forced a save from goalkeeper Yahia Fofana inside the first minute, and the Arsenal star tested him again with a header in the 10th minute.

Against the run of play, Cote d’Ivoire took the lead on the half hour mark, when Kessié struck a right-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom left corner.

Germany created one more clear chance before the break, Florian Wirtz forcing a save from Fofana in the seventh minute of first half stoppage time.

Germany made one change at the interval, with Antonio Rudiger replacing the injured Nico Schlotterbeck.

The Germans made a triple substitution just after the hour mark, bringing on Undav, Nadiem Amiri and Jamie Leweling.

The change paid off quickly when in the 68th minute, Undav leveled the score with a close-range left-footed finish to the top of the goal, assisted by Amiri’s cross.

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Cote d’Ivoire responded with three substitutions of its own, introducing Evann Guessand, Seko Fofana and Simon Adingra with 15 minutes left.

Chances came at both ends, Fofana saw a shot blocked, while Germany continued to press through Undav and substitute Nathaniel Brown, both of whom were denied by Yahia Fofana.

The Ivorians also went close through Adingra who wasted a golden opportunity after he was set up by Nicolas Pepe.

Germany eventually for the winner in the 94th minute, thanks to Undav WBO received a defence-splitting pass inside the box and hit a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner.

Côte d’Ivoire would have to pick themselves up and go again in their final group match against debutants Curaçao, who were hammered 7-1 by Germany in their opening fixture.