FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group E Results
Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast
Ecuador vs Curaçao (later)
TORONTO, Canada: Germany secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after substitute Deniz Undav scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to complete a 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in a thrilling Group E encounter on Saturday.
The four-time world champions looked set to be frustrated by a resilient Ivory Coast side before Undav struck twice off the bench, including the decisive goal in the fourth minute of added time, to keep Germany’s perfect qualification campaign on track.
Ivory Coast stunned Germany in the 30th minute when captain Franck Kessie powered home to give the African side a deserved lead after a disciplined first-half display.
Germany dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances as the Ivorians defended resolutely and threatened on the counterattack.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann introduced fresh attacking options after the break, and the move paid dividends in the 68th minute when Undav found the equaliser to bring Germany level.
The Germans continued to pile pressure on the Ivory Coast defence as the match entered its closing stages, creating a series of opportunities in search of a winner.
Just when the contest appeared destined to end in a draw, Undav struck again deep into stoppage time. The forward calmly finished in the 90+4th minute to spark wild celebrations among the German players and supporters.
The victory sends Germany into the knockout rounds with a game to spare after opening their campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over Curaçao.
Germany now sit in a strong position to finish top of Group E ahead of their final group match against Ecuador.
For Ivory Coast, the defeat was a painful blow after they had looked on course for a valuable result. The Elephants will now need a positive outcome against Curaçao in their final group match to keep their qualification hopes alive.
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