Deniz Undav’s 90+4th-minute strike turned Germany’s anxious night into a statement, sealing a 2-1 comeback over Ivory Coast at BMO Field and lifting them to the top of Group E on six points.
Kessié punishes Germany before the break
Germany threatened first, with Fofana saving Kai Havertz’s header in the 10th minute and Aleksandar Pavlović having a goal disallowed after a corner in the 22nd. But Ivory Coast survived that spell and struck in the 30th minute when Diomande went past Kimmich on the left, Diallo’s effort was blocked, and Franck Kessié finished from close range.
Germany’s frustration deepened before half-time. Havertz also found the net in the 39th minute, only for referee Juan Gabriel Benitez to rule it out for an attacking foul, leaving Germany 1-0 down despite their pressure.
Undav flips Germany’s night from the bench
Julian Nagelsmann changed the rhythm in the 60th minute, sending on Undav, Leweling and Amiri. Eight minutes later, Amiri crossed from the right into the five-yard area, the ball ran beyond Havertz, and Undav arrived to make it 1-1.
Ivory Coast still had chances to hurt Germany, including Adingra’s hesitation in the 88th minute after a quick break. Germany then pushed hard: Brown was denied by Fofana in the 89th, Amiri’s weak effort was held in the 90+1st, and Undav finally decided it with the flag staying down in stoppage time.
Undav seizes Golden Boot lead
The wildest number belongs to Undav: he has come off the bench twice in this World Cup, scored 3 goals and played 60 minutes in total. Vava Sport’s live Golden Boot graphic has him first on 3 goals with an 8.3 rating, level on goals with Lionel Messi and Jonathan David, while Johan Manzambi and Brian Brobbey sit on 2 each.
Germany seizes Group E control
Germany’s dominance finally told. Their 60% possession, 16 shots to Ivory Coast’s 9, 7 shots on target to 2, 8 corners to 3 and passing count of 553 to 361 all pointed to pressure that only broke through late. Germany are now rank 1 with 6 points from 2 wins, while Ivory Coast remain rank 2 on 3 points.
Match Information
Competition: World Cup, Group Stage - 2. Date & Time: Saturday 20 June 2026, 22:00 CET. Venue: BMO Field, Toronto. Referee: Juan Gabriel Benitez, Paraguay.
