With Julian Nagelsmann at the helm, Germany booked its place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2014. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Coach Julian Nagelsmann was thrilled by Germany’s comeback victory against Ivory Coast on Saturday, but stopped short of celebrating his side advancing to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage for the first time since 2014.

“We have high ambitions,” Nagelsmann said when asked by AFP if booking a place in the next round was something to celebrate.

“The most important topic for us is to focus on the next step,” he said.

Germany failed to get out of the group stage both at Russia 2018 and four years ago in Qatar.

Saturday’s dramatic win, secured in extra time with a second goal from substitute Deniz Undav, guarantees the Germans will advance and snaps a streak of bitter World Cup disappointment for the four-time winner.

“This is exactly what we hoped for and I’m very happy for me team,” Nagelsmann said.

He said that after his two-goal performance, Undav could make the starting 11 in Germany’s third group stage match against Ecuador, but also stressed that the Stuttgart forward was thriving as a substitute.

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“I could have him in the starting lineup. I think that every player would love to be in the starting lineup, but I think he’s very happy as it is right 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, ultimately unable to withstand the relentless German pressure.

But the Elephants remain in a strong position to advance 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’m really happy with the performance of my players during these 90 minutes... I think we had two teams that deserve to win. Our primary objective is to get out of the group phase,” he added.

Published on Jun 21, 2026