Deniz Undav emerged as Germany’s unlikely hero after coming off the bench to score twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, rallied from behind to defeat the Ivory Coast 2-1 and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.
The emotional victory at Toronto Stadium secured Germany’s second consecutive win in Group E, ensuring Julian Nagelsmann’s side progressed to the knockout phase after just two matches for the first time since the memorable 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Undav’s late heroics sparked jubilant celebrations on the pitch, with teammates, coaching staff, and even former Germany World Cup winners Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels, who were working as television pundits, joining the celebrations after the final whistle.
“Let’s keep this momentum going,” Undav said after delivering one of the most memorable performances of his international career.
Germany entered the match full of confidence following their emphatic 7-1 opening victory over Curaçao, but the 2024 African champions proved to be a far sterner test.
The Germans nearly made the perfect start when captain Joshua Kimmich delivered an inviting cross for Kai Havertz, whose header narrowly missed the target.
Instead, it was Ivory Coast who stunned the four-time world champions.
Midfielder Franck Kessié found the breakthrough in the 30th minute, beating Manuel Neuer to give the Elephants a deserved 1-0 lead after an impressive first-half display built on physicality and disciplined defending.
Germany thought they had equalised before halftime when Aleksandar Pavlović bundled the ball into the net following another dangerous Kimmich delivery, but the goal was disallowed after the midfielder was adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
Nagelsmann turned to his bench in search of inspiration, introducing Undav after the interval.
The move transformed the contest. The 29-year-old striker levelled the score in the 68th minute, finishing clinically to reignite Germany’s World Cup campaign.
As the match entered stoppage time, it appeared Germany would have to settle for a draw.
However, in the 94th minute, Undav struck again, finding the decisive goal that completed a remarkable comeback and sent the German supporters into celebration.
The dramatic winner extended Germany’s winning streak to 11 consecutive matches and guaranteed progression to the knockout rounds.
Credit Photo : DFB
