Undav's double lifts Germany past Ivory Coast at World Cup 2026

Deniz Undav changed the match the moment Germany needed it most. Introduced from the bench at the start of the second half, the striker scored twice to lift the Selección de Alemania past the Selección de Costa de Marfil 2-1 on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Toronto and push Germany into the World Cup knockout phase.

Germany had spent much of the match chasing the game after Franck Kessié put Ivory Coast ahead at the half-hour mark. The first half also brought concern for Germany when Nico Schlotterbeck was forced off at the break with an injury, leaving Germany with both a deficit and a defensive setback to manage.

The response came through a sharp tactical and personnel correction after halftime. Germany turned to Undav, and the change immediately altered the tempo of the match. The forward drew Germany level in the 68th minute, then struck again in the 90th minute plus four to seal the comeback in the closing moments. His late finish decided a contest that had been level in intensity but tilted decisively once Germany found an answer to Ivory Coast’s opener.

The result gave Germany six points in Group E after two games and left the four-time world champions practically assured of a place in the round of 32. It also marked Germany as one of the first teams to secure advancement from the group, strengthening its position after what had been billed as a direct battle for control of Group E.

Germany’s opening two matches have now underscored both its ceiling and its resilience. After a 7-1 win over tournament debutants Curaçao in its opener, Germany followed with a far tighter examination against Ivory Coast, one that demanded a late solution rather than an early burst. Undav provided it, and Germany left Toronto with a comeback that may matter as much for what it revealed about the squad’s depth as for the three points themselves.