Undav double sends Germany through

TDT | Manama

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Germany booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2014, as Die Mannschaft came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in a Group E clash in Toronto. A late brace from substitute Deniz Undav turned the game on its head as Julian Nagelsmann's side secured progression with a match to spare.

The result guarantees Germany a top-two finish in the group, while Ivory Coast's fate remains in their own hands heading into the final round of fixtures. A victory on Saturday would have seen them secure a first-ever knockout qualification in what is only their fourth World Cup appearance.

Germany endured a frustrating first half, twice seeing the ball hit the net only for both efforts to be disallowed. The first came in the 23rd minute when Nathaniel Brown's corner appeared to sneak in, but Aleksandar Pavlovic was ruled to have fouled goalkeeper Yahia Fofana by barging him as he attempted to claim the cross.

Les Éléphants capitalised and struck first seven minutes later. Yan Diomande again showed why he is attracting interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs, bursting down the left with pace and confidence before whipping in a dangerous cross. Amad Diallo's effort was blocked by Brown, but the rebound fell kindly to captain Franck Kessié, who finished confidently to put the West Africans 1-0 ahead.

Germany thought they had equalised in the 40th minute when Kai Havertz found the net, but VAR intervened after Jamal Musiala was judged to have fouled Odilon Kossounou in the build-up, ruling the goal out and preserving Ivory Coast's lead at half-time.

At the break, Ivory Coast were 45 minutes away from sealing qualification for the knockout stage, while Germany had registered eight first-half attempts without reward. Julian Nagelsmann responded just after the hour mark with a triple substitution, introducing Deniz Undav among others — a change that immediately shifted the momentum.

Eight minutes later, Undav delivered the equaliser. Nadiem Amiri broke down the right and sent a cross into a crowded penalty area, where the substitute arrived from deep to meet it first time, volleying home to make it 1-1.

Ivory Coast had a golden chance to retake the lead late on when substitute Simon Adingra was played in after Nicolas Pépé drove down the right and squared the ball across the box. However, Adingra took an extra touch instead of finishing first time, allowing Germany to recover and clear.

That miss proved costly. Deep into stoppage time, the four-time world champions completed the comeback. Felix Nmecha threaded a powerful pass to Undav, who controlled it with his first touch, turned sharply, and fired beyond Fofana to seal a 2-1 victory.

Germany's win ensures their place in the round of 32 with a game to spare; their final Group E match against Ecuador is set for New Jersey on Thursday at 11pm Bahrain time.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, remain in contention for qualification and will look to secure their place when they face Curaçao in Philadelphia at the same time.