In the Toronto sunshine, Deniz Undav’s injury-time winner helped Germany seal a comeback win against Ivory Coast in their second game at the 2026 World Cup. The result also secured their place in the knockout round for the first time since 2014.
The team, ranked 30th in the world, provided a more difficult test than Curaçao and took the lead thanks to Frank Casey. Yann Diomande, who plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, was a problem. Germany captain Joshua Kimmich had to struggle against the winger and it was his pass that set up Kessie for Ivory Coast’s opener after half an hour.
Germany had two goals disallowed due to fouls in the build-up as the favorites were frustrated at not being able to make the most of their chances. Julian Nagelsmann cut an animated shot on the sideline and unlike Houston, the drinks break worked against Germany as Casey’s goal came soon after. While most of the fans in the stadium were dressed in Germany’s colours, the orange pockets of Ivory Coast supporters at the Toronto Stadium were extremely enthusiastic and passionate.
Ivory Coast had a chance to add a second after the restart, but could not test Neuer. After an hour, the German fans called for Deniz Undav and Nagelsmann answered. His search for answers was rewarded. With just over 20 minutes to go, Nadeem Amiri’s deep cross was converted on goal by Deniz Unadav, whose reputation as a super sub grows with every game.
Both sides had chances to win it in the closing stages, and it looked like neither side would take their chance until Undaw scored in injury time.
Germany has qualified for the knockouts with six points and the top spot is in their bag. Germany’s final Group E game takes place in New York on June 25.
Many more to follow…