Germany secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup. Deniz Undav, who came off the bench in the second half, scored both of Germany’s goals, including the decisive winner four minutes into stoppage time. After receiving a pass from Felix Nmecha near the goal, Undav rifled a shot past Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana to clinch the comeback win. Undav’s first goal came in the 68th minute, capitalizing on a long ball from Nadiem Amiri that striker Kai Havertz allowed to pass through before Undav struck.

Germany’s win secures their spot in the next round and marks a turnaround after disappointing group stage exits in 2018 and 2022. The four-time World Cup champion last advanced beyond the group stage in 2014, when they won the tournament. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, remains in contention for their first knockout appearance, with final group matches set for Thursday.

In earlier Group E action, Curacao earned its first-ever World Cup point in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Kansas City. Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered an exceptional performance, making 15 saves against a persistent Ecuador attack. Room’s effort nearly matched the World Cup record for most saves in a match, set by Tim Howard in 2014. The draw keeps both teams mathematically alive for advancement, but Ecuador faces a difficult path going into the final group stage matches.

Group F saw the Netherlands respond strongly to their opening draw with a 5-1 rout of Sweden in Houston. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scored twice to lead the Dutch to the win, helping them take the top spot in the group with four points. Brobbey opened the scoring within five minutes, and Gakpo added two goals shortly after halftime. Sweden’s lone goal was scored by Anthony Elanga in the 59th minute, but the defeat was their heaviest World Cup loss since 1950.

In Group D, Paraguay secured a 1-1 draw with Turkey in Santa Clara despite being reduced to ten men after Miguel Almiron received a red card for violating a new rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during confrontations. Matias Galarza scored the fastest goal of the tournament, netting just 65 seconds into the match. Paraguay’s goalkeeper Orlando Gill contributed key saves to preserve the draw. The result ensured the United States would finish atop the group, while Turkey was eliminated from contention.

Brazil advanced with a 3-1 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia. Matheus Cunha, making his first World Cup start, scored twice, with Vinícius Júnior assisting on one goal and adding another. Brazil’s five-time champion team eliminated Haiti, which is competing in its first World Cup since 1974 and became the first team of the tournament to be officially eliminated. Brazil forward Raphinha left the game with a hamstring injury and will undergo treatment, while Neymar is expected to return for their final group match against Scotland after recovering from a calf injury.

The final round of group stage matches will be played Thursday, setting the stage for the knockout phase.