World Cup 2026: Germany Advances to Knockout Round in Comeback Win Over Ivory Coast

What could have been the latest upset to the start of the 2026 World Cup ended up being a hard-fought comeback for an early favorite.

Germany defeated the Ivory Coast 2–1 in Toronto on June 20, becoming the third team to advance to the knockout round with one game left in the preliminary group stage, after Mexico and the United States also advanced.

But it was the Ivory Coast who held the lead for most of the game. Franck Kessié managed to get the ball in the back of the net 30 minutes into play, and that one-goal lead would stand through half-time and most of the second half, thanks to the Ivory Coast defense and goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

Germany finally scored the equalizer 68 minutes into the game. A flying cross landed the ball on the boot of Deniz Undav deep in the penalty box, which launched it across the goal line.

The teams remained in a draw past the 90-minute mark, but Undav yet again found a way through the West African team’s defense four minutes into stoppage time, ultimately sealing the German victory.

Undav has contributed to five goals for Germany so far this tournament with only 56 minutes of total playing time recorded; he has entered both games as a substitute, or sub, for a starting player late in the game. Undav’s starter-worthy performance gives him the title “super sub.”

The match was also a relatively clean one, at least according to the referees. Despite animated protests from players and coaches on both sides, only seven fouls were called against the Ivory Coast, and five were called against Germany. None of the fouls warranted a yellow or red card.

This was Germany’s second win of the tournament so far, after a dominating performance against debutant team Curacao 7–1 on June 14. The Ivory Coast also went into the June 20 match with a victory, taking all three points in a 1–0 finish over Ecuador on June 14.

Ecuador and Curacao face off against each other at 8 p.m. ET in Kansas City, putting the winner on equal ground with the Ivory Coast as each will have posted one win and one loss. This makes the third and final game of the group stage crucial for the West African nation.

The last games for this group will be held on June 25, with the Ivory Coast playing Curacao in Philadelphia and Ecuador playing Germany outside New York City.

If there is a tie in terms of record, ultimate designation of rank could be decided based on a number of factors, including the goal differential—who scored more goals during the three games—and FIFA power ranking.