Germany secured their passage to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 following a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Côte d’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium. Second-half substitute Deniz Undav proved to be the hero for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, netting twice from the bench to guarantee the four-time champions a spot in the next round.

Germany nearly enjoyed a dream start when Kai Havertz won a header directly from kick-off and fired just over the crossbar. Shortly after, Joshua Kimmich picked out Havertz with a pinpoint cross, but the forward’s low header was pushed away by Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Fofana was beaten moments later when Aleksandar Pavlović headed home a corner, but the referee disallowed the goal after the midfielder was adjudged to have led with an elbow.

Despite Germany’s early dominance, it was Côte d’Ivoire who broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark. Yan Diomandé surged down the left wing and sent in a low cross toward Amad Diallo. While defender Nathaniel Brown managed an initial block, he could not stop Franck Kessié from slotting home the rebound to put the African side ahead.

With Les Éléphants holding their own into the second half, Nagelsmann looked to his bench on the hour mark, introducing Nadiem Amiri and Deniz Undav. The tactical shift paid off just eight minutes later when Amiri delivered an inch-perfect cross for Undav to nod in the equalizer from close range.

Côte d’Ivoire had a golden opportunity to restore their lead late in the game when Nicolas Pépé broke down the right side. Evann Guessand’s run dragged the German defense away, leaving Simon Adingra completely unmarked on the left side of the penalty area, but a heavy touch allowed the German defense to crowd him out.

That missed opportunity proved costly four minutes into stoppage time. Lukas Nmecha slid a clever through ball to Undav, who turned and finished clinically to secure all three points for Germany.

The victory moves Germany to six points at the top of Group E. While they must wait for the result of the Ecuador-Curaçao fixture to officially confirm their status as group winners, the Germans are mathematically assured of progressing to the Round of 32, at worst, as one of the best third-placed teams.