Germany 2-1 Côte d’Ivoire: Undav’s Late Double Sends Germans Into Knockout Stage

Nagelsmann’s substitutions prove decisive as Deniz Undav overturns Franck Kessié’s opener and secures Germany’s place in the Round of 32.

Germany became the first team from Group E to book their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming from behind to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in dramatic fashion thanks to a late brace from substitute Deniz Undav.

After dismantling Curaçao 7-1 in their opening match, Julian Nagelsmann’s side looked set for a frustrating evening against an organized and energetic Ivory Coast team. Franck Kessié gave the Africans a deserved lead midway through the first half, but Germany’s superior squad depth eventually made the difference.

Undav, introduced shortly after the hour mark, transformed the contest with two clinical finishes, the winner arriving in stoppage time and sparking celebrations among the German supporters.

Germany dominated possession early on but struggled to break down Emerse Faé’s compact defensive setup. Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala found little space between the lines, while Kai Havertz endured another difficult evening leading the attack.

The breakthrough instead arrived for Côte d’Ivoire in the 30th minute. Yan Diomandé burst down the left flank and delivered a dangerous ball into the box. Brown managed a desperate clearance, but Kessié reacted quickest to the loose ball and fired past Manuel Neuer.

The Elephants nearly doubled their advantage early in the second half, with Simon Adingra wasting a promising opportunity.

Recognizing the need for change, Nagelsmann reshuffled his attack in the 60th minute, introducing Nadiem Amiri and Deniz Undav. The move immediately paid dividends.

Amiri slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the area and Undav showed the instincts of a natural striker to level the score in the 68th minute.

As the match drifted toward a draw, Germany continued to push forward. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Undav struck again, completing the comeback and ensuring Germany reached six points from two matches.

For Côte d’Ivoire, it was a painful defeat after another spirited display. Kessié controlled midfield for long stretches, while Diomandé once again confirmed himself as one of the revelations of the tournament.

Match Report