Undav’s stoppage-time double lifts Germany past Ivory Coast at World Cup

Deniz Undav equalized in the 68th minute and struck again in the 94th to complete a comeback after Franck Kessié’s opener for Ivory Coast.bavarianfootballworks
The win in Toronto gives Germany a perfect six points in Group E and secures advancement, with Ecuador next on June 25.bavarianfootballworks
Viral German fan Freddy, stranded by a canceled flight, reached the match after American Airlines ↗3.70% and retired NFL star JJ Watt helped arrange travel.foxnews

Germany Edges Ivory Coast 2-1 in Dramatic World Cup Clash in Toronto

Thousands of fans packed Toronto Stadium on Saturday for a Group E showdown between Germany and Ivory Coast, the city’s third FIFA World Cup match of the 2026 tournament. Germany secured a dramatic 2-1 victory thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Deniz Undav, clinching a spot in the Round of 32.nytimes

A Thriller Decided in Added Time

Germany entered the match having demolished Curaçao 7-1 in their opener, while Ivory Coast arrived off a narrow 1-0 win over Ecuador courtesy of Amad Diallo. Manager Julian Nagelsmann kept his lineup unchanged, while Ivory Coast inserted Diallo into the starting XI.reuters

It was Ivory Coast who struck first. Franck Kessié capitalized on a rebound in the 30th minute to give the African side the lead. Germany pressed for an equalizer and found it in the 68th minute when Undav connected on an unmarked volley. Deep into stoppage time, in the 94th minute, Undav struck again to complete a comeback that sent the German contingent in the stands into a frenzy.bavarianfootballworks

Freddy’s Wild Ride to Toronto

Off the pitch, a viral subplot captivated social media. Freddy, a German fan who became an internet sensation documenting his six-week road trip across the United States, found himself stranded after his connecting flight from Dallas to Toronto was canceled due to severe weather.foxnews

“Our connecting flight from Dallas to Canada has been canceled due to weather,” Freddy posted on X. “They rebooked us on a flight tomorrow evening. We’re gonna miss the Germany match.”foxnews

What followed was a bidding war. American Airlines replied, “Not on our watch, Freddy. Check your DMs.” Air Canada offered help. Airshare, a private jet company, posted a photo of a luxury aircraft interior. Utah Governor Spencer Cox even volunteered his assistance.foxnews

After hours of radio silence, Freddy confirmed the resolution: “We’re on the plane to Buffalo!!! American Airlines was incredibly helpful and made it possible for us to get on this flight. A special thank you to @JJWatt for organizing it while we were in the air to Dallas.” Watt, the retired NFL star who had previously hosted Freddy in Houston with a hotel suite and signed jersey, again proved instrumental in coordinating the rescue.people

Toronto’s World Cup Moment

The match marked Toronto’s third of six scheduled World Cup fixtures at the Exhibition Place venue, following Canada’s opening group stage matches. Germany now leads Group E and will face Ecuador on Thursday, June 25, with a chance to secure the top spot.toronto