Germany came from behind to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in a thrilling World Cup 2026 Group E encounter, with substitute Deniz Undav scoring twice, including a stoppage-time winner.
With the win, the Die Mannschaft have progressed into the knockout stages with a match to go in the group stages.
Ivory Coast started brightly and took a deserved lead in the 30th minute. Young talent Yan Diomande delivered a sparkling run and cross, allowing captain Franck Kessie to slot home from close range for his first World Cup goal. The Elephants defended resiliently and created counter-threats, frustrating Germany's attacking stars like Musiala, Wirtz, and Havertz.
Julian Nagelsmann responded with a triple substitution just after the hour
mark, introducing Undav, Nadiem Amiri, and others. The changes paid immediate dividends: in the 68th minute, Amiri's whipped cross found Undav at the back post for a clinical finish to level the score.
As the game opened up, both sides pushed forward. Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana made several key saves, but in the 90+4th minute, Felix Nmecha threaded a superb pass to Undav, who turned sharply and fired past Fofana for the winner.
With two wins from two, Germany top Group E and advance. Ivory Coast remain competitive on three points and will target progression against Curacao. Germany will take on Ecuador in their final group stage match.
Germany progress to Knockouts after 12 Years
Germany finally returned to the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in 12 years, since their World Cup win in 2014.
After early exits in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, Die Mannschaft had endured a long wait. In 2018, as defending champions, they suffered a shocking group-stage elimination - losing to Mexico, drawing with Sweden, and falling to a late South Korea winner in a humiliating last-place finish. Four years later in 2022, history repeated - a draw with Spain and defeat to Japan left them needing a big win against Costa Rica, but goal difference sent them home once again in the group phase.
