Germany Comes From Behind to Defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 and Advance to World Cup Knockout Stage

Germany defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 on June 20, 2026, at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, and advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2014. Deniz Undav scored both goals for Germany after entering as a substitute in the second half. He scored the first goal in the 68th minute after receiving a long ball from Nadiem Amiri that Kai Havertz let pass.

Both Amiri and Undav had entered the match eight minutes earlier. Ivory Coast took a 1-0 lead when Franck Kessié scored in the 30th minute. Yan Diomande sent a cross to Amad Diallo, whose shot was blocked by Germany's Nathaniel Brown before the rebound reached Kessié.

Germany had two goals disallowed during the first half. Germany's defender Nico Schlotterbeck was forced off at halftime due to injury. Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made his 21st World Cup appearance on June 20, 2026, surpassing Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper with the most appearances.

Undav scored Germany's second goal in the 94th minute after receiving a pass from Felix Nmecha. Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana was beaten by Undav's shot. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann stated scans on Schlotterbeck's injury would be awaited and the outlook did not look good.

He said Schlotterbeck did really well to keep playing until halftime. Nagelsmann also stated Deniz Undav does not need preparation and can jump in right away. Deniz Undav stated it is important that players from the bench can decide games and that the result sends an important signal to the team.

He said Germany showed great character and wants to achieve the most. Deniz Undav is the fourth player in World Cup history to score both the tying and winning goals as a substitute in the same match. Germany's previous group-stage exits occurred in 2018 and 2022.

Germany won the 2014 World Cup after advancing past the group stage. Germany will face Ecuador in its final Group E match on Thursday, June 25, 2026.