FIFA World Cup 2026: Undav Flips Script As Germany Fight Back To Trump Ivory Coast

Last Updated:June 21, 2026, 03:41 IST

Franck Kessie opened the scoring for Cote d'Ivoire in the first half, before Denis Undav came off the bench to net a double and give Germany all points on offer.

Germany rallied form a goal down to register a win against Ivory Coast in the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash with a 2-1 victory in their Group E fixture at the Toronto Stadium in Canada on Sunday.

Franck Kessie opened the scoring for Cote d’Ivoire in the first half, before Denis Undav came off the bench to net a double and give Germany all points on offer.

Kessie put the African unit ahead in the first Hal as he found the back of the net as a fortunate bit of spillage came his way, and Germany had two goals chalked off as Kai Havertz and Pavlovich saw their goals ruled out for infringements in the build up.

Julian Naglesmann brought in Undav, who netted off the bench in Germany’s 7-1 triumph over Curacao in the opener, to cause a stir in the second period of the game.

And cause a stir he did!

The 29-year-old Undav pulled Germany back on level terms with his goal in the 68th minute of the game, after having come on the hour mark.

Undav led the turnaround with his late winner in stoppage time to help Germany continue their winning start to the tournament with two victories in as many games.

Earlier in the day, the Netherlands claimed their first win of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a commanding 5–1 victory over Sweden in their Group F match at Houston Stadium.

Brian Brobbey, the only change to Ronald Koeman’s starting lineup from the side that drew with Japan, made an immediate impact by scoring twice in the opening 17 minutes to give Oranje early control. Sweden had a goal from Carl Starfelt Lagerbielke ruled out for offside before halftime, denying them a chance to reduce the deficit.

After the break, Cody Gakpo scored twice in quick succession to extend the Netherlands’ lead to 4–0. Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden just before the hour mark, and the Scandinavians continued to press, with Yasin Ayari hitting the wrong side of the post and Alexander Isak being denied by goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

The Dutch weathered Sweden’s pressure and completed the rout when Crysencio Summerville, who had also scored against Japan, added a fifth goal. The emphatic victory earned the Netherlands their first three points of the tournament and strengthened their position in Group F after opening with a draw.

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