From 1-0 Down To Knockouts: Germany Fight Back To Beat Ivory Coast 2-1

FROM 1-0 DOWN TO THE KNOCKOUTS: Germany Fight Back To Beat Ivory Coast 2-1

Undav’s late heroics send 4-time champions into Round of 32 at BMO Field_

Germany refused to panic and Germany refused to lose. Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Julian Nagelsmann’s side stormed back with a late winner to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 at BMO Field Stadium.

Ivory Coast stunned the four-time champions with a captain’s goal right on the stroke of halftime. Franck Kessié pounced on a loose ball after Germany failed to clear their lines, giving Les Éléphants a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

Undav Delivers Again Off The Bench

Nagelsmann turned to super-sub Deniz Undav in the 60th minute, and the Stuttgart forward changed everything. Just 8 minutes later, Undav equalized with a composed tap-in from Nadiem Amiri’s precise cross to make it 1-1.

Germany kept pushing. Then, in the 94th minute, Felix Nmecha split the Ivory Coast defense with a perfect through ball. Undav took it in his stride, controlled with a silky turn, and fired past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana to complete the comeback. 2-1. Game over.

Undav Equals Roger Milla Record

Undav’s impact off the bench has been historic. With 2 goals against Ivory Coast, he now has 5 goal contributions as a substitute in just 2 World Cup games. That ties Cameroon legend Roger Milla’s record from 1990 for the most goal contributions off the bench at a single World Cup. Unsurprisingly, Undav was named Player of the Match.

Group E Standings After 2 Games

1. Germany 6 Pts ✅ – Through to Round of 32
2. Ivory Coast 3 Pts
3. Ecuador 1 Pt
4. Curaçao 1 Pt

The Elephants still have hope, but Germany have momentum. And if Undav keeps coming off the bench like this, no lead is safe against Die Mannschaft.