Coach Julian Nagelsmann was delighted with Germany’s victory against Ivory Coast on Saturday but stopped short of celebrating his side advancing to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014.
“We have high ambitions,” Nagelsmann said when asked AFP if booking a place for the next round was something to celebrate.
“The most important issue for us is to focus on the next step,” he said.
Germany failed to get out of the group stage both in Russia 2018 and in Qatar four years ago.
Saturday’s dramatic win, secured in extra time with a second goal from substitute Deniz Undav, guarantees the Germans’ advancement and caps a series of bitter World Cup disappointments for the four-time winners.
“This is exactly what we hoped for and I am very happy for my team,” said Nagelsmann.
He said Undav could make the starting XI in Germany’s third group match against Ecuador after his two-goal performance, but also stressed that the Stuttgart striker did well as a substitute.
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«I could have him in the starting line-up. I think every player would like to be in the starting line-up, but I think he is very happy as it is now,» Nagelsmann said.
Franck Kessie put Ivory Coast ahead in the first half, but the African side was largely on the defensive in the second half and ultimately could not withstand the relentless German pressure.
But the Elephants remain in a strong position moving forward and could book Ivory Coast’s first-ever ticket to the World Cup knockout with a decisive win over Curacao next week.
“We still have everything to play for,” said Ivorian coach Emerse Fae.
«I am very happy with the performance of my players during these 90 minutes… I think we had two teams that deserve to win. Our main goal is to get out of the group stage,» he added.
Published on June 21, 2026
