Germany became the third team to advance to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after mounting a spirited comeback to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in Group E on Saturday, June 20.
The four-time world champions secured their second successive victory, collecting six points from two matches and booking their place in the knockout stage with one group fixture still to play.
Côte d’Ivoire drew first blood in the 30th minute when Franck Kessié pounced on a rebound after Germany failed to clear a set-piece, giving the Ivorians a deserved lead.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances — including two first-half goals that were disallowed — Germany had to wait until the 68th minute to restore parity. Substitute Deniz Undav produced a clinical volley from a precise Nadiem Amiri cross to level the scores at 1-1.
Undav then became the hero, completing the turnaround in the 94th minute. Set up by Felix Nmecha, the striker fired home the winner deep in stoppage time.
The brace extended Undav’s remarkable scoring run, taking his tally to nine goals in his last eight appearances for Germany.
Germany had begun their campaign in emphatic fashion with a 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao, while Côte d’Ivoire opened with a narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
With the result, Germany join Mexico and the United States as the third team to qualify for the Round of 32. Côte d’Ivoire stay on three points and must beat Curaçao in their final group match to keep qualification hopes alive, while Germany face Ecuador.
