Neuer Makes World Cup History as Undav Fires Germany Into Knockout Stage

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Germany booked their place in the World Cup knockout rounds with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast, on a night that also delivered a major milestone for Manuel Neuer.

The veteran goalkeeper started again for Julian Nagelsmann’s side and became the goalkeeper with the most appearances in World Cup history. Neuer’s 21st match at the tournament moved him ahead of former France captain Hugo Lloris, who had previously stood on 20 appearances.

Neuer sets a World Cup benchmark

Neuer’s record underlines the extraordinary longevity of one of the defining goalkeepers of the modern era. From Germany’s third-place finish in 2010 to their 2014 triumph in Brazil and now the 2026 tournament, he has remained a central figure for the national team across multiple generations.

Although Germany conceded once against Ivory Coast, Neuer’s latest milestone adds another chapter to a career already associated with elite shot-stopping, leadership and the evolution of the “sweeper-keeper” role.

His place at the top of the World Cup goalkeeper appearance list puts him ahead of some of the most respected names in the position, including Lloris, Claudio Taffarel, Sepp Maier, Dino Zoff and Iker Casillas.

Undav changes the game from the bench

Germany’s victory was ultimately shaped by Nagelsmann’s second-half substitutions. Deniz Undav came off the bench and scored twice, first turning in a delivery from fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri in the 68th minute before striking again deep into stoppage time.

The late winner completed Germany’s comeback and left Ivory Coast with a painful defeat after they had been on course for at least a point.

Undav’s impact continues an impressive start to the tournament. After contributing a goal and two assists in Germany’s opening 7-1 win over Curacao, he now has three goals and two assists at the 2026 World Cup.

That production has made him one of the tournament’s most effective attacking players so far. According to the Vietnamese report, Undav has also matched Roger Milla’s long-standing benchmark for the most goal contributions by a substitute in a single World Cup since 1966, with five direct involvements from the bench.

Germany move on early

For Germany, the result means six points from two matches in Group E and early qualification for the knockout stage. More importantly, the manner of the win showed resilience: a record-setting night for Neuer, decisive changes from Nagelsmann and a match-winning performance from Undav when Germany needed it most.

Germany will now enter their final group match with the pressure reduced, while Undav’s form gives Nagelsmann another major attacking option as the tournament moves toward the elimination rounds.

Sources checked: 24h.com.vn report on Germany vs Ivory Coast, World Cup 2026.