UNDAV HEROICS SEND GERMANY INTO THE KNOCKOUTS
Deniz Undav has now scored nine goals in his last eight appearances for Germany, underlining his growing importance to the national team. Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Published: 20 June 2026
Germany 2-1 Côte d'Ivoire
Germany goals: Deniz Undav (68', 90+4') Côte d'Ivoire goal: Franck Kessié (30')
Germany booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after substitute Deniz Undav scored a dramatic late brace to inspire a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Côte d'Ivoire at Toronto Stadium.
The four-time world champions looked to be heading towards a disappointing defeat after Franck Kessié's first-half strike had given the African side a deserved lead. However, Julian Nagelsmann's substitutions changed the course of the match, with Undav emerging as Germany's unlikely hero.
Germany almost found the perfect start within seconds of kick-off. Kai Havertz won an aerial duel and fired narrowly over the crossbar before forcing Côte d'Ivoire goalkeeper Yahia Fofana into an early save with a powerful header.
The Germans thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Aleksandar Pavlović headed home from a corner, but the goal was ruled out after the referee judged the Bayern Munich midfielder to have committed a foul.
Côte d'Ivoire punished Germany for their missed opportunities in the 30th minute. The dangerous Yan Diomandé surged down the left wing and delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Nathaniel Brown blocked Amad Diallo's initial effort, but the rebound fell perfectly for Franck Kessié, who calmly slotted the ball home to put Les Éléphants ahead.
The African side continued to defend resolutely after the break, frustrating Germany and threatening on the counterattack. With time running out, Nagelsmann turned to his bench, introducing Nadiem Amiri and Deniz Undav on the hour mark.
The move paid immediate dividends.
Just eight minutes later, Amiri delivered a pinpoint cross into the box and Undav rose highest to power a header beyond Fofana, bringing Germany level and breathing life back into their World Cup campaign.
Côte d'Ivoire almost restored their advantage when Nicolas Pépé broke down the right and found Simon Adingra in space inside the penalty area. However, a heavy touch allowed the German defence to recover and clear the danger.
That missed opportunity would prove costly.
Deep into stoppage time, Lukas Nmecha threaded a clever pass into Undav's path. The striker controlled brilliantly, turned sharply and finished clinically to spark wild celebrations among the German players and supporters.
The dramatic winner secured Germany's passage to the knockout stage and completed a memorable turnaround in Toronto.
Coaches' Reactions
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann:
"The victory is deserved, even if it took us too long to get into this match. Deniz is nobody who needs to be prepared. He can jump in right away."
Côte d'Ivoire coach Emerse Faé:
"We lost with honour."
Despite the defeat, Faé praised his team's commitment and performance against one of the tournament favourites.
Key Stat
Deniz Undav has now scored nine goals in his last eight appearances for Germany, underlining his growing importance to the national team.
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
⭐ Deniz Undav (Germany)
The substitute changed the game with two decisive goals, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner that sent Germany into the knockout rounds.