Côte d'Ivoire lead Germany at the half-time break

A surprising picture emerged in this 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E match. Côte d'Ivoire led four-time champions Germany 1-0 at half-time. At BMO Field in Toronto, the only goal came in the 30th minute from captain Franck Kessié.

Germany started with the bulk of possession and took more initiative across the pitch, but struggled to be effective in the opposition box. Julian Nagelsmann's side managed eight shots in the first half without turning them into clear goals. Côte d'Ivoire, by contrast, were more efficient with fewer chances and went ahead through Kessié's strike.

First-half stoppage time was breathless. In the 45+7th, Florian Wirtz's effort inside the box was comfortably dealt with by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, who had read the situation well from the start. Moments earlier, an Amad Diallo corner was headed clear early by a defender before it could cause danger.

The statistics pointed to a balanced and intriguing contest. Although Germany reached 61% possession, the edge in expected goals (xG) belonged to Côte d'Ivoire at 0.75-0.63. Despite the hosts producing twice as many shots with eight, it was the Ivorians, with fewer attempts, who found the higher-quality chances. Both teams created two big chances each. The match was officiated by Paraguay's Benitez J.

Leading 1-0 at the break, Côte d'Ivoire are on the verge of making history again after their last-gasp win over Ecuador in their opener. If they can protect this advantage in the second half, the West African side will take a big step in the tournament. Germany, meanwhile, will look for a quick response after the restart to keep alive their aim of progressing comfortably from a World Cup group for the first time in 12 years.

Image: Al Jazeera