Substitute Deniz Undav struck twice, including a 94th-minute winner, to fire Germany to a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The result sealed Germany’s place in the World Cup 2026 round of 32 and ended a 12-year absence from the knockout stages for the four-time world champions.
What was the final score of Germany vs Ivory Coast?
Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast (half-time 0-1). Franck Kessie put Ivory Coast ahead in the 30th minute, but Deniz Undav came off the bench to equalise in the 68th minute and snatch a last-gasp winner in the 94th to turn the game on its head.
Match highlights video
How the game unfolded
Germany dominated the ball early, but it was Ivory Coast who landed the first blow. In the 30th minute, Franck Kessie smashed home from close range to give the West Africans a deserved lead, rewarding a disciplined and well-organised defensive display. Ivory Coast carried that 1-0 advantage into the interval.
Germany pressed for an equaliser after the break and turned to their bench for inspiration. The change paid off in the 68th minute: a cross from fellow substitute Amiri sailed over Kai Havertz but dropped perfectly for Deniz Undav, who volleyed past Yahia Fofana from inside the area to level the score.
Ivory Coast goalkeeper Fofana stood firm with a string of saves as Germany poured forward, and it looked as though the Elephants would hold on for a point. But there was a final twist. Deep into stoppage time, Nmecha kept his composure and slipped a pass into Undav, who took a touch to turn inside the box before blasting an unstoppable strike to win it in the 94th minute and spark wild German celebrations.
Germany vs Ivory Coast: match stats
| Statistic | Germany | Ivory Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 1 |
| Possession | 60% | 40% |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.89 | 1.22 |
| Passes (accuracy) | 555 (89%) | 367 (85%) |
| Saves | 1 | 5 |
| Fouls committed | 5 | 7 |
Source: ESPN match centre.
The stats reflect Germany’s control of the contest: they held 60% possession, passed at 89% accuracy and created the bulk of the clear chances, fashioning five big chances to Ivory Coast’s one. The five saves forced from Yahia Fofana underline how hard the Elephants had to work to protect their lead before Undav finally broke their resistance.
What the result means
The win was a major relief for Germany, which confirmed its spot in the round of 32 and returned to the knockout stages for the first time in 12 years after group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. For Ivory Coast, it was a cruel way to lose after such a committed performance — they will now have to qualify on the final matchday of Group E, knowing they pushed one of the tournament favourites to the very limit.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored for Germany against Ivory Coast?
Substitute Deniz Undav scored both goals — an equaliser in the 68th minute and a 94th-minute winner. Franck Kessie had given Ivory Coast the lead in the 30th minute.
Has Germany qualified for the knockout stage?
Yes. The 2-1 win secured Germany’s place in the round of 32, their first appearance in the World Cup knockout stages in 12 years.
Where was Germany vs Ivory Coast played?
The match was played at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) in Toronto, Canada, on June 20, 2026, in World Cup 2026 Group E.
