Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast — Undav's 94th-Minute Winner Sends Germans Into Last 32

Germany booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Deniz Undav scored a dramatic injury-time winner to complete a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in Toronto.

The four-time world champions looked set for a frustrating evening after trailing for much of the contest following Franck Kessie's first-half goal for the Elephants.

However, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann's second-half changes transformed the match as Undav came off the bench to rescue his side with two decisive goals, including a winner deep into stoppage time.

The victory guarantees Germany a place in the last 32 after securing consecutive wins in Group E.

Ivory Coast started brightly and matched Germany's intensity throughout a lively first half.

Germany thought they had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Aleksandar Pavlovic headed home from a corner, but the goal was ruled out after a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

The Africans capitalised on that reprieve eight minutes later.

Teenage winger Yan Diomande sparked the move before finding Amad Diallo, whose effort was blocked by Nathaniel Brown. The rebound fell kindly to captain Franck Kessie, who reacted quickest to fire Ivory Coast into a 30th-minute lead.

Germany's frustrations deepened before halftime when Kai Havertz had a goal disallowed after Jamal Musiala was judged to have fouled Emmanuel Agbadou during the build-up.

Ivory Coast could have doubled their advantage before the break, but Christ Inao Oulai and Kessie both failed to convert promising opportunities.

With Germany struggling to find a breakthrough, Nagelsmann made a decisive triple substitution on the hour mark, introducing Deniz Undav, Nadiem Amiri and Jamie Leweling.

The move paid immediate dividends.

In the 68th minute, Amiri delivered a dangerous cross into the area and Undav produced a composed finish to level the scores and swing momentum firmly in Germany's favour.

The equaliser sparked a sustained German push as the four-time champions searched for a winner.

Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana kept Ivory Coast in the contest with important saves from Brown and Amiri, while the Elephants defended resolutely as the clock ticked towards full time.

Just as Ivory Coast appeared to be heading for a valuable point, Germany struck the decisive blow.

Four minutes into stoppage time, Felix Nmecha threaded a pass into Undav inside the penalty area. The Stuttgart forward controlled brilliantly, turned sharply and slotted beyond Fofana to complete the comeback and send German supporters into celebration.

The goal capped another outstanding cameo from Undav, who had already made a major impact in Germany's opening 7-1 victory over Curacao, where he scored once and provided two assists.

His latest double took his tally to nine goals in just 11 appearances for Germany and strengthened his case for a starting role as the tournament progresses.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Ivory Coast remain firmly in the race for a knockout-stage place.

Emerse Fae's side impressed for long periods and caused Germany numerous problems through Diomande, Amad Diallo and Kessie.

The West Africans now know victory against World Cup debutants Curacao in their final Group E fixture could still be enough to secure progression.

Germany, meanwhile, will conclude their group-stage campaign against Ecuador with qualification already secured.