Ivory Coast Squander Late Chance as Undav’s Stoppage-Time Double Sends Germany Through
Toronto, Canada – In a pulsating finish at Toronto Stadium, Germany snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E showdown, with Deniz Undav scoring twice, with the second goal being a stoppage-time winner in the 94th minute — turning the tide and leaving the Elephants heartbroken after squandering a golden chance to seal their passage into the knockout stages.
Ivory Coast had been on the verge of sealing their fate early in the second half, giving them a deserved lead and putting them firmly in control of their destiny. With minutes ticking down and the prospect of a round-of-16 berth within reach, the Ivorians were expected to close out the game — but instead, they failed to register a single shot on target in the final moments. The absence of a meaningful effort from the front line proved catastrophic.
Germany, reeling from an underwhelming performance for much of the match, refused to fold. And when the moment came, it was Undav who delivered the killer blows. First, he pounced on a loose ball in the box to level the score, sparking disbelief among the Ivory Coast faithful. Then, in the dying seconds, he struck again — this time with a composed finish that sent the German bench into raptures and left the Elephants staring at another cruel exit.
The late surge turned what looked like a comfortable win for Ivory Coast into a gut-wrenching defeat. For the African side, the failure to convert their dominance into a shot on goal during those crucial minutes will be a haunting memory — a missed opportunity that could have changed everything.
For Germany, though, it was a testament to their never-say-die spirit. Undav’s clinical finishing under pressure kept their World Cup hopes alive, and now both teams remain in the hunt for a knockout spot in a Group E race that’s shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested in the tournament.
As the dust settles on a match packed with drama, one thing is clear: in football, especially at this level, you don’t get second chances — and Ivory Coast just ran out of time.