Germany edge Ivory Coast as Elephants reach knockouts for first time
Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 at the World Cup, with substitute Deniz Undav scoring twice to secure the four-time champions' place in the last 32.
The match in Toronto saw Undav introduced from the bench and transform the game with his double, sealing qualification for a Germany side that had failed to get past the group stage at each of the previous two World Cups.
Despite the defeat, Ivory Coast still progressed from Group E as runners-up, reaching the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in the nation's history. The result capped an encouraging group campaign for the West African side.
Group E, which also included Ecuador and debutants Curaçao, ran from June 14 to 25. Germany's victory ensured they topped or advanced from a section that proved competitive throughout.
Ivory Coast's qualification added to a strong showing by African teams at the expanded 2026 tournament, with several nations from the continent reaching the knockout rounds. The Elephants now look ahead to a maiden World Cup knockout tie.
