World Cup 2026: Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast

Denise Undav came off the bench to score Germany for the second world championship consecutive game, scoring a brace as Die Mannschaft came from behind to beat the spirited Ivory Coast side in Toronto.

Frank Kessey put the Elephants ahead in the first half, while teenager Jan Diomande gave Germany plenty to think about as the African side were good value for their lead.

But Julian Nagelsmann’s side, who had two goals denied before the break, eventually hit back through Undav’s goal – including a 94th-minute winner – to ensure Germany progress to the knockout stages for the first time since winning the trophy in 2014.

Ivory Coast, who beat Ecuador 1-0 in their opener, will take a lot of confidence from their performance and will have faith that they can qualify for the next round for the first time.

The elephants stun the team

Germany started the match brightly and went close in the opening 10 minutes when Kai Havertz met Joshua Kimmich’s cross, but Yahya Fofana in the Ivory Coast goal equalized with a header.

Felix Nmecha’s deflected shot fell inches over the bar and from the ensuing corner Aleksandar Pavlovic’s header was adjudged for a foul on Fofana.

But just when Germany looked most likely to break the deadlock, Ivory Coast opened the scoring just before half an hour.

Diomande, the 19-year-old who is being watched by Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, showed his talent by beating Kimmich to the byline before flicking a dangerous ball into the box.

In the ensuing melee, Amad’s shot was initially blocked by Nathanial Brown, but Kessey was on hand to direct the second try to give the youngest side at this World Cup a shock lead.

Germany then saw another goal disallowed when Havertz rolled the ball into the net before the referee called play back for a clear foul on the build-up.

Fun second half

With the Ivory Coast leading at the break, they went in search of a second on the restart, with talented youngster Chris Inao netting just when he perhaps should have done better.

The Ivorians had an inspired game, limiting Germany to half chances and pot shots from distance.

That was until the introduction of Undav from the bench. For the second game in a row, the striker found the back of the net, scoring from close range in the 68th minute after a pass from fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri to equalise.

With the game finally underway, Ivory Coast squandered a glorious chance when Simon Adingra hesitated too long with the gaping goal, taking a touch when he should have taken it first.

At the other end, Fofana deflected Brown’s goal before the Ivorian keeper stepped up again to prevent Undav from scoring.

But Undav would not be denied a second, turning expertly from Nmecha’s pass before pouncing to complete the comeback in stoppage time.