Germany travelled from the United States to Canada for their second Group E match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 at Toronto Stadium to secure qualification for the next round.
Ivory Coast proved to be a tough opponent in the opening stages, but Germany gradually took control of the game. Julian Nagelsmann’s side thought they had taken the lead through Alexander Pavlović, only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul in the build-up. Against the run of play, Franck Kessié put the Elephants ahead in the 30th minute. Germany had another goal ruled out nine minutes later when Kai Havertz found the net, but Jamal Musiala was judged to have committed a foul beforehand. Ivory Coast’s resilient defence kept Germany at bay for the remainder of the first half, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
Germany dominated possession after the restart, while Ivory Coast remained dangerous on the counterattack. As the Africans looked increasingly focused on protecting their advantage, substitutes combined to bring Germany level in the 68th minute, with Deniz Undav converting Nadim Amiri’s cross with a powerful finish into the roof of the net.
Germany continued to push for a winner in the closing stages. Yahia Fofana denied Nathaniel Brown in the 89th minute and then produced another save from Amiri deep into stoppage time. However, Germany finally broke through in the fourth minute of added time when Undav finished smartly after a clever pass from Felix Nmecha to complete the comeback.
The victory moved Germany onto six points, confirming them as Group E winners and securing their place in the Round of 16, while Ivory Coast’s elimination was confirmed.
