Back
Sports

Germany Defeats Ivory Coast 2-1 to Advance in World Cup 2026

View source

Germany Secures Knockout Berth with Dramatic 2-1 Comeback Over Ivory Coast

Germany advanced to the knockout stage for the first time since 2014 after a stoppage-time winner from substitute Deniz Undav.

Match Summary

Ivory Coast drew first blood in the opening half. Franck Kessie scored from a rebound following a shot by Amad Diallo, which was created from a cross by Yan Diomande.

Germany saw two goals disallowed before the break. Aleksandar Pavlovic's header was ruled a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, and a goal by Jamal Musiala was also disallowed due to a foul on Odilon Kossounou.

Second-Half Turnaround

The match swung decisively in the second half. Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice after being brought on in the 60th minute alongside Nadiem Amiri.

  • 68th minute: Amiri sent a long ball that striker Kai Havertz allowed to pass through. The ball reached Undav, who slotted it into the net.
  • Fourth minute of stoppage time: Undav received a pass from Felix Nmecha in front of the net and shot past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana to complete the stunning comeback.

Ivory Coast's Simon Adingra missed a late chance, while Germany's Nathaniel Brown had a shot saved by Fofana.

Group E Standings

  • Germany: 6 points (top of Group E, qualified for knockout stage)
  • Ivory Coast: 3 points (two matches played)
  • Other teams: Ecuador and Curacao

Upcoming Matches

  • Germany vs. Ecuador (New Jersey, Thursday)
  • Ivory Coast vs. Curacao (Philadelphia, Thursday)