2026 World Cup: Germany beat Cote d’Ivoire, qualify for round of 32; Ecuador draw Curacao in Group B
African champions Cote d’Ivoire lost 2-1 to Germany on Saturday in their second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B match at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Franck Kessié put Cote d’Ivoire ahead in the 30th minute, but Deniz Undav levelled for Germany in the 68th minute. The African side were about to share the spoils but failed to hold on as Undav struck again in the 94th minute to complete his brace.
With their second consecutive victory and six points from two matches, Germany have booked a place in the Round of 32. Cote d’Ivoire are second with three points, while Ecuador and Curacao have one point apiece. Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room etched his name into the World Cup record books after producing 15 saves in the goalless draw against Ecuador.
The match saw Germany’s Manuel Neuer make his 21st World Cup appearance, overtaking France’s Hugo Lloris, who has 20. Barring injury or a decision by coach Julian Nagelsmann not to field him, Neuer is set to extend the record, with Germany’s final group match and potential knockout fixtures still to come.
Four-time World Cup winners Germany will face Ecuador on Thursday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, while Cote d’Ivoire will take on Curacao on the same day at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in their respective final group matches.
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