Super-sub Undav nets twice late on to seal Germany's place in World Cup last 32

Denis Undav rescued Germany with a stoppage-time brace from the bench, sealing a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast at Toronto and securing Julian Nagelsmann’s side as winners of Group E at the 2026 World Cup.

Franck Kessie had given the African side a deserved lead midway through the first half, bundling home Yan Diomande’s cross after the winger was afforded too much space down the left. Amad Diallo’s initial effort was blocked, but the ball fell kindly to Kessie, who prodded home.

Germany thought they had levelled just before the break when Kai Havertz curled in a brilliant strike, only for the referee to disallow the goal for a foul on Emmanuel Agbadou earlier in the move. Ange-Yoan Bonny had the chance to double Ivory Coast’s advantage but saw a curling effort well saved by Manuel Neuer.

Nagelsmann turned to his bench in the second half and it was substitute Nabil Amiri who unlocked the Ivory Coast defence, picking out fellow introductee Undav — the former Brighton striker — who fired home with a clinical finish to draw Germany level.

Amiri should have won it in stoppage time but fired straight at the goalkeeper. Undav, however, had the final say, latching onto Felix Nmecha’s brilliant pass deep into added time and converting coolly to complete the comeback and confirm Germany as group winners.

Germany will face Ecuador in the last 32, while Ivory Coast must win their final group game against Curacao to guarantee their own progression.