Germany secures knockout stage berth with victory over Ivory Coast

Germany's forward Deniz Undav, donning the number 26 jersey, erupted in joy with his teammates after scoring the team's first goal in the 2026 World Cup Group E match against Ivory Coast, held at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026.

The German team secured a spot in the World Cup knockout phase for the first time since 2014, thanks to a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday, with substitute Deniz Undav scoring twice, including the decisive goal four minutes into injury time.

The crowd of 43,000, predominantly German fans, at Toronto Stadium was electrified, unleashing a deafening roar as Undav's crucial goal sealed the win, marking a significant breakthrough for the team under coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Germany's advancement to the knockout phase marked their first since winning the 2014 tournament in Brazil, and Nagelsmann had faced immense pressure to lead the team beyond the group stage, which they had failed to do in recent years.

Ivory Coast's Franck Kessie scored the opening goal in the 30th minute, capitalizing on the impressive work of teenage sensation Yan Diomande, who has attracted the attention of top European clubs, including Liverpool.

The Germans thought they had scored twice in the first half, but both goals were disallowed, first when Aleksandar Pavlovic's goal was called back due to a foul on Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, and then when Kai Havertz's goal was disqualified due to a foul by Jamal Musiala.

As the second half commenced, the German team applied intense pressure, which eventually led to a breakthrough in the 68th minute, although it was Deniz Undav's 63rd-minute volley, courtesy of Nadiem Amiri's cross, that got them on the scoreboard.

Undav's second goal sparked unbridled joy, with Nagelsmann and the German fans ecstatic, as the team put an end to their string of disappointments at the last two World Cups, with the winning mentality and team spirit proving instrumental in their success.

Germany defender Jonathan Tah attributed the team's success to their "winning mentality, team spirit — we had exactly what you need to be successful in a tournament," and also praised the impact of the players coming off the bench, singling out Undav for special mention.

The Ivorians, who have never advanced in a World Cup, still have a chance to move on with a win over debutants Curacao in their final group stage match, as they strive to make history in the tournament.