Ivory Coast Stunned by Germany in Added Time, Qualification in Jeopardy

Ivory Coast let slip a victory against Germany on matchday two of Group E at the 2026 World Cup, losing 2-1 after taking the lead through Franck Kessié in the 30th minute. Deniz Undav equalized in the 68th before sealing the win for Germany in added time (90+4), inflicting a defeat on the Elephants that seriously complicates their campaign.

Émerse Faé’s side remain second in Group E with three points, thanks to their opening victory over Ecuador (1-0). But Ecuador’s subsequent draw with Curaçao (0-0) has reshuffled the deck: the Ivorians can no longer rely on a single point to secure their ticket to the Round of 16.

The situation remains manageable, but the scenarios are now tight. A victory against Curaçao on matchday three would take Ivory Coast to six points and guarantee qualification, regardless of the outcome of the other match between Ecuador and Germany — already qualified with six points. A draw (four points) would also be enough to keep the Elephants in a favorable position, with the head-to-head record working in their favor against Ecuador in case of a tie.

Conversely, a defeat to Curaçao would open the door to elimination. In that case, Ivory Coast would need to hope that Germany does not lose to Ecuador, otherwise they would be forced to finish among the eight best third-place teams across the twelve groups in the competition to continue their North American adventure.