Germany snatched a 2-1 victory against Ivory Coast on Saturday in Toronto, during the second matchday of Group E at the 2026 World Cup. After trailing for much of the game, the Nationalmannschaft turned the match around in the second half thanks to Deniz Undav, who scored twice after coming on as a substitute. This win qualifies Germany for the round of 32.
Kessié opens the scoring in the 30th minute
Ivory Coast took the lead in the 30th minute through Franck Kessié. The Elephants went into halftime with a one-goal advantage, having contained a struggling German side in the first half. Germany thought they had equalized before the break, but two goals were disallowed.
The German coaching changed the game
After returning from the locker room, Germany made changes to their lineup. Antonio Rüdiger came on in the 46th minute, and then Julian Nagelsmann brought on Jamie Leweling, Nadiem Amiri, and Deniz Undav in the 60th minute. These changes revitalized the Mannschaft and shifted the balance of power.
Undav equalizes in the 68th minute
Eight minutes after coming on as a substitute, Deniz Undav brought Germany level. In the 68th minute, the German striker scored the equalizer, converting a pass from Nadiem Amiri. Ivory Coast, who had been leading until then, lost their advantage and had to defend a draw in an increasingly tense end to the match.
The fatal blow in the 90th+4th minute
Just when the Elephants seemed to have secured a draw, Germany struck one last time in stoppage time. In the 94th minute, Deniz Undav scored to make it 2-1, assisted by Felix Nmecha. This second goal of his own gave Germany the victory and left Ivory Coast with no chance of a comeback.
With Germany qualified, Ivory Coast will have to finish the job.
With two wins in two matches, Germany has six points and has secured its place in the round of 32. The Mannschaft will take the lead in the group before its final match against Ecuador. Ivory Coast remains on three points and will play for qualification in its last match against Curaçao.
