Deniz Undav netted twice to help Germany come from the back to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their second FIFA World Cup 2026 match on Saturday 20 June, 2026 at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada.
The outcome means the DFB Eleven have progressed into the Round of 32 of the tournament.
VfB Stuttgart forward, Undav, netted both goals for Germany after coming in as a substitute.
Germany, who have lifted the World Cup trophy a record four (4) times, found themselves behind in the 30th minute after captain Franck Kessie scored for the West African side. The showdown went on break with the Elephants leading.
However, Germany head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, was in search of a response and turned to his bench where he found Undav, whom he introduced, and the forward turned hero for the European side.
Undav made sure to deliver with a brace to hand Germany all three (3) points and a spot in the World Cup knockouts phase.
In the 68th minute, fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri provided a cross for Undav, who converted with a beautiful finish to bring the DFB Eleven level with Ivory Coast; and in the 4th minute of additional time, Nigerian-German Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Felix Nmecha, turned provider for Undav, who sealed maximum points for Germany.
The winner from Undav, who fielded for Brighton and Hove Albion from 2022 to 2024, landed a huge pain on The Elephants after kicking off their World Cup 2026 campaign with a lone goal win over Ecuador.
The downed Elephants can still scale through the Group E preliminaries if they can defeat Curacao, World Cup debutants, in the third and final Group game.
Coach Emerge Fae’s Ivory Coast were impressive in the early stages of the clash with their power and determination, however, got flattened by a more focused and coordinated Germany.
The European side had two (2) goals from Aleksandar Pavlovic and Kai Havertz cancelled in the first half. Pavlovic’s header was disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana; and Havertz’ goal was ruled out for a foul on Emmanuel Agbadou.
Germany’s win over Ivory Coast ended the country’s 12-year wait to return to the World Cup knockout phase.
In one of the other games on Saturday, Netherlands cruised through Sweden by five (5) goals to one (1) at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas, United States (US).
For Netherlands, Sunderland striker, Brian Brobbey, netted a brace (5th and 17th minutes); Liverpool forward, Cody Gakpo, also netted a brace (47th and 54th minutes); and West Ham United winger, Crysencio Summerville, netted the fifth (89th minute).
While, Sweden’s consolation came through Newcastle United forward, Anthony Elanga, in the 59th minute from Alexander Isak’s assist.
Results:
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group Phase) – Saturday 20 June, 2026 |
| Brazil 3-0 Haiti |
| Turkiye 0-1 Paraguay |
| Netherlands 5-1 Sweden |
| Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast |
Photo: Deniz Undav celebrates goal for Germany with teammate, Leroy Sane, in the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Ivory Coast on Saturday in Toronto, Canada
