Undav injury-time goal sees Germany beat Ivory Coast 2-1 to top World Cup group advance to last-32 stage

Substitute Deniz Undav became Germany’s match-winner after scoring a dramatic 94th-minute goal to complete a remarkable comeback victory over Ivory Coast and secure his team’s place in the World Cup knockout rounds.

The four-time champions struggled after falling behind in the 30th minute when Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie gave his side the lead. However, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann looked to his substitutes for inspiration, and Undav responded with a brilliant second-half brace.

The Stuttgart striker equalised in the 68th minute with a composed finish from fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri’s cross, before delivering the decisive blow deep into stoppage time to break Ivorian hearts.

Undav had already made a major impact in Germany’s opening 7-1 win over Curacao, scoring once and assisting twice after coming off the bench.

Despite the defeat, Ivory Coast still have a chance to advance from Group E if they defeat World Cup newcomers Curacao in their final match.

Ivory Coast started strongly in Toronto, showing impressive pace and attacking energy, but Germany created the more dangerous opportunities early on.

Germany thought they had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Aleksandar Pavlovic headed in from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

The Ivorians then struck first when 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande created a chance for Amad Diallo, whose shot was blocked by Nathaniel Brown before Kessie reacted quickly to score from the rebound.

Germany became increasingly frustrated as Kai Havertz saw a goal ruled out for a foul by Jamal Musiala in the build-up, while Ivory Coast missed opportunities through Christ Inao Oulai and Kessie to extend their advantage.

Those missed chances proved costly as Undav completed Germany’s comeback in dramatic fashion.

Fofana had earlier denied efforts from Brown and Amiri, but he was helpless in stoppage time when Undav controlled Felix Nmecha’s pass and calmly finished on the turn, sealing a late victory and ending Ivory Coast’s hopes of a famous win.

Germany get their redemption arc after disappointing early exits in 2018 and 2022 tournaments, qualified the knockout stage for first time in 12 years.

Germany vs Ivory Coast final scores, stats, facts, records

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026

Final Score: Germany 2 (Deniz Undav 68', 90'+4') - Ivory Coast 1 (Franck Kessié 30').

Ball Possession: Germany held 55% of the ball compared to Ivory Coast's 45%.

Historic Records Broken or Matched

Deniz Undav's Historic Impact: By scoring a second-half brace, substitute Deniz Undav has been directly involved in 5 goals at the 2026 World Cup (3 goals, 2 assists). This ties Roger Milla’s iconic 1990 record for the most goal involvements by a substitute in a single World Cup edition since 1966.

Klose Comparison: Undav became the first German player to score in both of his first two career FIFA World Cup appearances since Miroslav Klose achieved the feat in 2002.

German Substitute Efficiency: The German squad's substitutes have combined for 6 total goal contributions so far at the 2026 World Cup, the highest of any nation in the tournament.

Breaking the Group Stage Hoodoo: With two consecutive wins to open their campaign, Germany has won both opening group stage matches for the first time since 2006, officially securing a spot in the Round of 32 and breaking a 12-year absence from the knockout rounds.

Franck Kessié’s Veteran Milestones: At 29 years and 183 days, Kessié became the oldest African player to ever score a World Cup goal against Germany. He also stands as the second-oldest goalscorer for Côte d'Ivoire in World Cup history, trailing only Didier Drogba in 2010.