Germany rallied from a first-half deficit to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in extra time at Toronto Stadium on Saturday, securing top spot in Group E of the 2026 World Cup. Deniz Undav scored both German goals, including the winner four minutes into extra time, after Ivory Coast had taken a shocking lead through Franck Kessie.
First-half shock for Germany
Germany dominated possession early, holding 61% of the ball in the first half, but struggled to break down a resilient Ivory Coast defence. Goalkeeper Seko Fofana made several key saves, including a low header and a series of stops late in the second half. Despite their pressure, Germany saw two potential goals disallowed due to fouls on Fofana, first in the 23rd minute from a corner and again in the 39th minute.
Ivory Coast struck first when wunderkind Yan Diomande, already a star at RB Leipzig, kept the pressure on and set up a chance that was initially blocked. The ball fell to Franck Kessie, who tapped in to leave the pro-German crowd stunned.
Undav sparks comeback
Germany's manager made a triple substitution in the 58th minute, bringing on Undav among others. Just eight minutes later, Undav volleyed in a cross to equalize, sending the partisan crowd into celebration. The match remained level through regulation, with both sides creating chances. Ivory Coast nearly regained the lead but failed to convert a glorious opportunity in extra time.
Undav struck again four minutes into the first extra period, volleying home to seal the victory. The goal came after Ivory Coast had blown a chance at the other end, leaving the African side heartbroken.
World Cup stakes and redemption
Germany, ranked 10th in the world, is seeking to join Brazil as the only five-time World Cup champions. The team had flamed out early at the two most recent World Cups, finishing bottom of Group F in 2018 and exiting in the group stage in 2022. After a quarter-final loss to eventual champion Spain at Euro 2024, Germany had gone unbeaten in 10 matches, including a 6-0 win over Slovakia.
Ivory Coast, the youngest side in the tournament, had not conceded a goal in African qualifying and upset France in a friendly before shutting out Ecuador 1-0 in their opener. They are African champions from 2023 and are building a promising young squad. “They had nothing to be ashamed about after this one,” the article noted.
Atmosphere in Toronto
The match was played at Toronto Stadium, one of six World Cup venues in the city. A massive contingent of Germany fans packed the stands, with orange-clad supporters visible everywhere, while Ivory Coast fans were fewer in number. The stadium rocked after Undav's equalizer, though FIFA-mandated hydration breaks drew loud boos from the crowd.
This was the third of six matches in Toronto during the 2026 World Cup. Germany had previously dismantled Curacao 7-1 in Houston, while Ivory Coast opened with a 1-0 win over Ecuador.
