Ivory Coast national team came within minutes of one of the major results of the 2026 FIFA World Cup before Germany struck deep into stoppage time to claim a 2-1 victory in Group E at Toronto Stadium.
The Elephants led for much of the match through Franck Kessié’s first-half goal and produced a brave, disciplined and energetic performance against the four-time world champions.
But Deniz Undav equalised in the second half before scoring again in the 94th minute to send Germany into the round of 32 and leave Côte d’Ivoire facing a decisive final group match against Curaçao.
It was a painful ending for Emerse Faé’s side, who had matched Germany physically, competed strongly in midfield and created enough chances to take at least a point.
For long spells, Côte d’Ivoire looked capable of delivering a famous World Cup victory. Instead, Germany showed the kind of ruthless finishing that separates elite tournament sides from those still trying to turn strong performances into historic results.
Kessié puts the Elephants ahead
Germany began with early pressure, but Côte d’Ivoire survived the opening storm. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana was alert from the start, denying Kai Havertz and giving the Elephants confidence at the back.
Germany also had a goal ruled out in the opening stages after Aleksandar Pavlovic was penalised for a challenge on Fofana. Once Côte d’Ivoire settled, they began to find space and caused Germany problems through pace and direct running.
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute. Yan Diomandé drove forward down the left and delivered a low cross into the area. Amad Diallo failed to make clean contact with his first attempt, but Kessié reacted quickest and drove the loose ball past Manuel Neuer to give the Elephants a deserved lead.
The goal reflected Côte d’Ivoire’s growing control and the authority of Kessié in midfield. Eight minutes later, Ange-Yoan Bonny almost doubled the advantage on the counter-attack, forcing Neuer into an important save with a curling effort.
Germany thought they had equalised before the break through Havertz, but VAR intervened and the goal was ruled out for an earlier foul by Jamal Musiala on Odilon Kossounou.
