Germany Book Place In Knockout Stage With Comeback Win Over Ivory Coast

Germany Book Place In Knockout Stage With Comeback Win Over Ivory Coast

By BSN Sports 

Germany secured a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in their Group E encounter at Toronto Stadium on Saturday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The four-time world champions came from behind to claim all three points, with substitute Deniz Undav scoring twice to overturn an early deficit and maintain Germany’s perfect start to the tournament.

Ivory Coast took the lead in the 30th minute through Al-Ahli midfielder Franck Kessié, whose strike gave the Elephants hope of securing a result against one of the tournament favourites.

Germany, however, responded strongly after the break. Undav, introduced from the bench, restored parity in the 68th minute when he converted a pass from Nadiem Amiri to bring the European side level.

With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Germany found a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time. In the 94th minute, Undav latched onto a pass from Felix Nmecha before firing past the Ivorian goalkeeper to complete the comeback and secure victory.

The result extended Germany’s impressive run in the competition following their emphatic 7-1 victory over Curaçao in their opening match, while Ivory Coast entered the contest after edging Ecuador 1-0.

Germany also enjoyed the better of the statistical exchanges, registering 16 shots to Ivory Coast’s nine, including seven efforts on target compared to two from the African side. The Germans held 55 per cent possession and completed 591 passes, while also earning eight corner kicks to Ivory Coast’s three.

Despite the defeat, Ivory Coast’s defence remained resilient for much of the contest, frustrating Germany for long periods before the late breakthrough.

The victory leaves Germany top of Group E with six points from two matches, while Ivory Coast remain second with three points. Ecuador and Curaçao were scheduled to meet later in the group’s other fixture.

Group E action concludes on June 25, with Germany set to face Ecuador while Ivory Coast take on Curaçao as both teams pursue qualification to the knockout phase.

Germany, world champions in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014, are seeking a fifth World Cup title. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, are aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their World Cup history after previous appearances in 2006, 2010 and 2014.