Deniz Undav’s two goals rally Germany past Ivory Coast in wild comeback to clinch knockout spot

TORONTO — Deniz Undav scored twice after being subbed on in the second half as Germany defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 on Saturday and clinched a spot in the knockout phase at the World Cup.

Four minutes into stoppage time, Undav received a pass from Felix Nmecha in front of the net and rifled it past Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana to give the Germans a comeback win.

Undav’s first goal of the match came after Nadiem Amiri sent in a long ball — that striker Kai Havertz let pass him by – onto the boot of Undav, who slammed it into the back of the net at the 68th minute.

Deniz Undav of Germany celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. FIFA via Getty Images

Deniz Undav of Germany celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal. FIFA via Getty Images

Both Amiri and Undav had subbed on eight minutes earlier.

Four-time champion Germany has come back from disappointing group stage exits in 2018 and 2022, while Ivory Coast is still searching for its first knockout stage appearance and could still qualify. The last time Germany got past the group stage it won the tournament in 2014.