Toronto: A dramatic, late double from substitute Deniz Undav secured a breathtaking 2-1 victory for Germany over the Ivory Coast at Toronto Stadium, officially booking the four-time world champions a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Julian Nagelsmann’s tactical roll of the dice proved decisive after the German side found themselves trailing and out of ideas for the opening hour of the contest.

Ivorian Dominance and VAR Drama

The Ivory Coast executed a brilliant defensive game plan during the initial phases, unsettling the German backline with rapid counter-attacks. The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute when Yan Diomande delivered a dangerous ball into the area. Although Amad Diallo's initial effort was blocked, Franck Kessié alertly seized upon the rebound to fire the Elephants ahead.

Germany pressed heavily for an equaliser before the interval but grew increasingly frustrated by a resolute Ivorian defence and two disallowed goals. Nathaniel Brown saw a corner find the back of the net, but it was quickly chalked off for an Aleksandar Pavlović foul on Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Moments later, a tidy finish from Kai Havertz was negated after a VAR review confirmed that Jamal Musiala had tripped Odilon Kossounou during the build-up.

The Undav Masterclass

Seeking aggression, Nagelsmann introduced VfB Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav in the 59th minute. The substitution paid immediate dividends. In the 68th minute, Nadiem Amiri floated a precise cross into the box, allowing Undav to steer home a clinical volley past Fofana from six yards out.

As the match opened up, both teams squandered golden opportunities to steal the three points. Ivorian substitute Simon Adingra hesitated inside the box following a brilliant run by Nicolas Pépé, allowing the German defence to swarm back. At the other end, Amiri scuffed a low attempt straight into Fofana’s midriff during stoppage time.

With literally seconds remaining in the fourth minute of added time, the comeback was completed. Felix Nmecha picked up a recycled ball and threaded an incisive pass to the left of centre. Undav received the ball, turned cleanly, and coolly slotted a low finish into the bottom corner to prompt wild celebrations on the German bench.

Group Standings

With this victory, Germany successfully navigates a highly competitive Group E, while the heartbroken Elephants are left to rue missed late opportunities ahead of their final group fixture.