World Cup 2026: Germany 2-1 Cote d’Ivoire Player Ratings

Cote d’Ivoire produced one of their best performances of the tournament but were left devastated by a stoppage-time winner as Germany came from behind to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory in Toronto. The Elephants led for much of the contest after captain Franck Kessie opened the scoring, only for substitute Deniz Undav to score twice and snatch all three points for the Germans. The result secured Germany’s place in the Round of 32 and left Côte d’Ivoire with work to do in their final Group E match.

Match Report

Emerse Fae’s side started brightly and caused Germany problems throughout the first half. The energetic Yan Diomande was a constant threat, repeatedly driving at the German defence and creating openings for his teammates.

The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute when Franck Kessie reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired home to give the West African side a deserved lead. Cote d’Ivoire continued to threaten and looked capable of extending their advantage before the interval.

Germany improved after the break and their substitutes changed the game. Deniz Undav equalised in the 68th minute before the striker struck again in the fourth minute of stoppage time to complete the turnaround. Despite the defeat, the Elephants can take encouragement from a performance that pushed one of the tournament favourites to the limit.

Cote d’Ivoire Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Yahia Fofana – 8.0

The highest-rated player on the Ivorian side. Produced a series of excellent saves and kept Côte d’Ivoire in the match for long periods.

Defence

Wilfried Singo – 6.7

Defended well for most of the game and worked tirelessly before being substituted late on.

Odilon Kossounou – 6.6

Made several important interventions and battled hard against Germany’s forwards.

Emmanuel Agbadou – 6.3

A committed performance, although Germany’s late pressure proved difficult to contain.

Ghislain Konan – 6.8

Solid on the left side and contributed effectively in both defence and attack.

Midfield

Ibrahim Sangare – 7.3

One of Cote d’Ivoire’s best performers. Strong in possession and excellent at breaking up German attacks.

Franck Kessie – 7.4

The captain led by example, scoring the opening goal and driving the team forward throughout the contest.

Christ Inao Oulaï – 7.3

Energetic and composed in midfield, helping the Elephants compete against Germany’s talented midfield unit.

Attack

Yan Diomande – 7.0

A lively performance from the young winger, whose pace and dribbling consistently troubled Germany.

Amad Diallo – 6.5

Showed flashes of quality but found clear opportunities limited.

Ange-Yoan Bonny – 6.5

Worked hard up front and occupied the German defenders effectively.

Substitutes

Nicolas Pepe – 6.8

Added experience and attacking intent after coming on.

Simon Adingra – 6.5

Provided energy on the wing during the closing stages.

Evann Guessand – 6.4

Worked hard but had little time to influence the outcome.

Seko Fofana – 6.2

Added fresh legs in midfield late in the game.

Guela Doue – 6.2

Introduced late as Cote d’Ivoire looked to hold on.

Verdict

Yahia Fofana was outstanding between the posts, while Kessie and Sangare controlled large spells of the midfield battle. However, Germany’s depth and the impact of Undav from the bench ultimately proved decisive in a cruel defeat for the Elephants.