Côte d’Ivoire kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout hopes alive despite a late 2-1 defeat to Germany, while Tunisia exited the tournament following a heavy 4-0 loss to Japan.
The contrasting results delivered mixed fortunes for Africa on Matchday 10, with the Ivorians securing progression from Group E while Tunisia’s campaign came to an end in Group F.
In Toronto, Franck Kessie’s first-half goal looked set to send Côte d’Ivoire into the knockout stage with a memorable victory over four-time world champions Germany.
The Elephants absorbed early pressure before striking on the counterattack in the 30th minute. Yan Diomande’s run down the left created the opening, and after Amad Diallo’s effort was blocked, Kessie reacted quickest to convert the rebound.
Emerse Fae’s side defended resolutely for much of the second half and appeared on course for a famous result.
However, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann changed the game with a double substitution just after the hour mark. Substitute Deniz Undav headed home an equaliser in the 68th minute before striking again deep into stoppage time to snatch victory for the Germans.
Despite the defeat, Côte d’Ivoire remain second in Group E on three points and are assured of progressing to the Round of 32 at least as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The result continues an encouraging campaign for the West Africans, who opened their tournament with a victory over Ecuador.
For Tunisia, however, it was a far more difficult evening in Monterrey.
The North Africans were overwhelmed 4-0 by an impressive Japan side and became the first African team eliminated from the tournament.
Japan struck after only four minutes through Daichi Kamada, who scored the fastest World Cup goal in his country’s history.
Ayase Ueda doubled the lead before halftime and later added a second goal after setting up Junya Ito for Japan’s third.
The defeat came in the first match under newly appointed coach Herve Renard, who was unable to inspire a turnaround after Tunisia’s opening 5-1 loss to Sweden.
With two defeats from two matches and a goal difference of minus eight, Tunisia can no longer qualify for the knockout rounds. However, there is still hope for Côte d’Ivoire to progress into the next phase of the competition.
