When Germany’s Deniz Undav volleyed home a stoppage-time winner against Ivory Coast, it secured not just a 2-1 victory but a place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since the national team won the title in 2014. The dramatic comeback in Toronto, powered by two second-half goals from a substitute striker who now has nine goals in his last eight matches, has put Julian Nagelsmann’s side back in the conversation as contenders for football’s biggest prize.
Germany are competing in the 2026 World Cup, a tournament like no other: a record 48 nations are taking part, with the expanded format pushing the group stage into a last-32 round. Germany were drawn in Group E alongside Ivory Coast, Curacao and Ecuador. They opened with a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao, then followed up with the comeback win over Ivory Coast to seal their place in the last 32. Their final group match is against Ecuador on Thursday in New York.
“Germany's World Cup 2026 campaign explained, from Undav's heroics to Schlotterbeck's injury.”
The team is managed by Julian Nagelsmann, the 38-year-old former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig boss. Under him, Germany have shown resilience – against Ivory Coast they went 1-0 down after Franck Kessie’s opener and lost centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck to a suspected ligament injury in the first half. Nagelsmann replaced Schlotterbeck with Antonio Rudiger at half-time and switched to a three-man defence. The changes paid off when Undav, who had been left on the bench, equalised in the 68th minute and then fired the winner in stoppage time. Nagelsmann admitted after the match that Undav “maybe can start next time” against Ecuador.
For UK readers, Germany’s fortunes at this World Cup are of particular interest because of England. The two nations share a rich footballing rivalry, and England – managed by Thomas Tuchel – are also in the knockout hunt, aiming to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy. Germany’s progress could set up a potential meeting later in the tournament. Moreover, several Germany-based players, including Undav (who plays his club football in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion) are familiar to English audiences.
Q: Why is this Germany team different from recent World Cup sides? Germany had not reached the knockout stage since winning the World Cup in 2014. They were eliminated in the group stage in 2018 and 2022. Under Nagelsmann, a younger squad has shown renewed team spirit and a winning mentality, epitomised by substitutes like Undav making decisive impacts.
Q: What is the latest on Nico Schlotterbeck’s injury? Schlotterbeck suffered a suspected ligament injury in the first half against Ivory Coast. Nagelsmann said “it’s not looking good”, and football insider Fabrizio Romano reported the Dortmund defender’s tournament could be over. The German national team has not confirmed if he will be available later in the competition.
Q: Who are Germany’s other centre-back options? With Schlotterbeck likely out, Nagelsmann can call on Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich) and Malick Thiaw (Newcastle United). All four are fit and available.
What happens next: Germany face Ecuador in New York on Thursday in their final group game. A win or draw would likely secure top spot. Nagelsmann must decide whether to start Deniz Undav after his super-sub performance. The last-32 draw takes place after the group stage concludes, and Germany’s potential opponents will depend on their final group position.