In a Group E match of the 2026 World Cup on the evening of June 20, Germany produced a stunning comeback to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1, securing an early spot in the knockout stage after just two matches. It marks the first time Germany has advanced past the group stage since winning the tournament in 2014.
Substitute striker Deniz Undav was the hero of the match, scoring a brace. He equalized in the 68th minute with a tidy volley, then netted the decisive goal after receiving a pass, turning, and firing a shot past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. With his impressive form, Undav has now scored 9 goals in his last 8 appearances.
Ivory Coast took the lead in the first half. A fast break down the left flank from Yan Diomande, followed by a cross, set up Franck Kessie to score from a rebound after Amad Diallo's initial shot.
Germany struggled in the first half despite firing eight shots on goal. They thought they had opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Aleksandar Pavlovic headed in from a corner, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Fofana. Later, Jamal Musiala also had a goal ruled out for a foul in his challenge with Odilon Kossounou.
The refereeing decisions frustrated German fans, but Julian Nagelsmann's team stayed focused. With sharp, intricate passing, they gradually found a way through the Ivorian defense.
Simon Adingra nearly snatched a late equalizer for Ivory Coast but couldn't finish inside the box. Immediately after, Germany launched a quick counter, and Fofana was forced to save a shot from Nathaniel Brown.
With this win, Germany tops Group E with six points, securing a spot in the round of 32. Ivory Coast has three points after two matches. The other group game sees Ecuador take on Curacao in Kansas City. In the final round, Germany will face Ecuador on Thursday in New Jersey, while Ivory Coast meets Curacao in Philadelphia.
