Undav double sends Germany into World Cup knockouts

Germany booked its place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage on Saturday with a 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast in a Group E match in Toronto. Substitute Deniz Undav struck twice after the break, overturning a first-half deficit. Officials had disallowed two Germany goals in the opening half for fouls in the buildup.

Ivory Coast went ahead in the first half when Franck Kessie finished a rebound after an Amad Diallo effort. Germany controlled much of the ball and piled on pressure, but went into the interval frustrated despite eight attempts on goal.

The turnaround began in the 68th minute when Undav levelled with a controlled volley. He then scored again in injury time, and the forward now has nine goals in his last eight appearances.

Disallowed goals and key moments shaped the contest

Germany thought it had taken the lead in the 25th minute from a short corner, but Aleksandar Pavlovic was deemed to have fouled Yahia Fofana in the process. Later in the half, Germany again saw the ball in the net, only for the referee to rule that Jamal Musiala had fouled Odilon Kossounou in the buildup.

Ivory Coast carried a threat in transition and produced late pressure, with Simon Adingra having a chance in the closing stages but unable to get a shot away in the box. Germany countered again in the dying moments before sealing the result.

Group E standings and next fixtures

The result leaves Germany top of Group E with six points from two matches and confirms its progress to the last 32. Ivory Coast remain on three points after two games.

Germany will finish the group stage against Ecuador on Thursday in New Jersey, while Ivory Coast face Curacao in Philadelphia.

Ecuador and Curacao were scheduled to play later on Saturday in Kansas City.