Germany secured a place in the knockout stage with a 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in Group E of the 2026 World Cup. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

The match in Toronto ended 2-1: the African team led after a goal by Franck Kessié, but Deniz Undav scored twice to give the Germans three points.

Match details

Group E, Matchday 2, June 21, 01:00, Toronto, BMO Field

**Germany – Ivory Coast 2:1 (0:1)**

Goals: Kessié 30 (0:1), Undav 68 (1:1), Undav 90+4 (2:1)

Both teams came into the game after wins in the first round. Germany thrashed Curaçao 7-1, while Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0. Therefore, the direct encounter was effectively a match for group leadership.

Game flow

The Germans had more possession and attacked more often, but Ivory Coast scored first. In the 30th minute, the Ivorians quickly moved the ball into the box, where Franck Kessié was first to the rebound and sent the ball past Manuel Neuer.

Germany had chances to respond before the break. Julian Nagelsmann's team pressed through the flanks and tried to break through the tight defense, but could not score for a long time. Additionally, the Germans had goals disallowed for Kai Havertz and Aleksandar Pavlović.

Second-half changes

In the second half, Nagelsmann tried to change the game with substitutions. Nadim Amiri, Jamie Leweling, and Undav came on, and this move worked. In the 68th minute, Amiri found Undav with a pass, and the forward equalized – 1-1.

As the match was heading for a draw, Undav was again in the right place. In the 90+4th minute, Felix Nmecha made a precise pass from the central zone between the defenders. Undav avoided offside, turned in the box, and sent the ball to the left of the diving Yahia Fofana – 2-1.

Group situation

After this result, Germany collected six points and strengthened their lead in Group E. Ivory Coast remained on three points. In the final round, Germany will play Ecuador, while Ivory Coast will face Curaçao.

In the other Group E match, Ecuador will play Curaçao. Also tonight, another Group E match will take place: Tunisia vs Japan.

Earlier, the Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scored a brace.