You could call it a statement of intent. In Toronto on June 20, 2026, Undav came on and made it 2-1, turning a hard-fought evening into a win that has Germany back in the latter stages of the tournament for the first time since 2014. The momentum in Group E is all with Nagelsmann’s team now.
They didn’t make it easy on themselves. Two first-half goals were disallowed and they were behind at the half, but then you had Undav’s composure to even things out. He has nine in his last eight and his late finish put a cap on a game of seesawing emotion.
Why this one is important for Germany
There is a feeling of being reborn about this qualification. They are top of the group with six and in the last 32; Ivory Coast are on three after two. It is a solid move in the right direction and makes you think twice about those subs off the bench.
Then there is the Miroslav Klose comparison. By netting a brace, Undav is the first from here to score in his opening two World Cups since 2002. When you need someone to put the ball in the net, he is your man.
The way the game turned
Ivory Coast got the better of the opening. Franck Kessie was there to put a rebound away after an Amad Diallo try, which followed some work from Yan Diomande on the left. You can see why they are in form: they have scored in seven straight at the event, a record for them.
For Germany, the first half was a bit of an exercise in futility. A 25th-minute header from Aleksandar Pavlovic was no good because of a foul on Yahia Fofana. Then Jamal Musiala was called for a nudge on Odilon Kossounou and another chance was gone. Eight goes and nothing to show for it.
They were more composed after the tea break. Undav, on for the hour, chipped in a neat volley to make it all square in the 68th. And when he was given room to turn and fire past Fofana in stoppage time, it was over and done with.
What made the difference
The story in brief:
– Kessie makes it 1-0 from a second chance
– 25th minute: Pavlovic’s effort is whistled for a foul
– Another one goes by the wayside after a Musiala infraction
– 68th: Undav with a volley to level
– The late winner in the dying moments
And the atmosphere in Toronto
Even with the ref going against them, the stands didn’t let up – not with 100,000 or so of German stock in the city. The lads on the pitch were in step with that: steady, then unrelenting. Simon Adingra of the Ivorians had a run in late but couldn’t get a shot off.
Germany put the fear back on them and nearly made it three, but Fofana was there to put a block on a low one from Nathaniel Brown. A good way to end a match where you have to be stubborn to get something out of it.
Where we stand in the group
Six points and two wins puts Germany at the head of the table. Ivory Coast have three and are still in it, but the pressure is on. Later in the day in Kansas City, you have Ecuador and Curacao to watch for how the final day will pan out.
On Thursday in New Jersey, Germany have to see out the job with Ecuador. The Ivorians go to Philadelphia to take on Curacao. Now that they are in, it is about how well Nagelsmann can manage his resources and keep everyone in line.
Around the rest of the World Cup
Over in Group F, the Dutch put five past Sweden in Houston. Brian Brobbey had a couple in the first 17, Cody Gakpo made it 4-0 in quick order and Crysencio Summerville added to the tally. Anthony Elanga got one for the Swedes but it was too little, too late.
As for Germany and their star, it is a matter of keeping that mix of cool heads and sharpness. If you look at what happened in Toronto, they have found it again when it counted.
