Germany clinches early group lead at 2026 World Cup

Germany defeated the Ivory Coast 2‑1 in Toronto, overturning an early deficit thanks to two late goals by substitute striker Deniz Undav. The win, combined with a 7‑1 victory over Curaçao, secured Germany’s place in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed the top spot in Group E before the final round‑robin match – a first in the nation’s 92‑year World Cup history.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann warned the squad against complacency, saying, “Winning is always the best recipe. We are not on a leisure trip,” and stressed full concentration for the upcoming game against Ecuador. Undav, who has become the tournament’s joint top scorer, praised his role: “I just try to be where I’m needed.” The German side will look to maintain momentum while managing injuries, such as the loss of defender Nico Schlotterbeck, with Antonio Rüdiger named as a possible replacement.