Germany advances to World Cup 2026 knockout stage, coach urges focus

Germany has reached the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, ending a long wait since their last success in 2014. However, coach Julian Nagelsmann is cautioning against excessive celebration, emphasizing the need to maintain focus on their ultimate tournament goals.

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We have high ambitions. The most important thing now is to focus on the next step.

Germany secured their advancement with a dramatic late winner against Ivory Coast, overcoming group stage exits in 2018 and 2022. Substitute Deniz Undav scored the decisive goal in the final minute of the match. Nagelsmann expressed happiness for his team's achievement but stressed that this is not the end of their mission.

"We have high ambitions. The most important thing now is to focus on the next step," Nagelsmann stated when asked about celebrating the group stage success. He acknowledged the team's desire to go further in the competition.

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This is what we hoped for and I am very happy for my team.

Regarding the next match against Ecuador, Nagelsmann did not rule out starting Undav, who has been effective as a substitute. "I can put him in the starting lineup. Every player wants to start from the beginning, but I think he is also happy with his role right now," the coach commented.

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I can put him in the starting lineup. Every player wants to start from the beginning, but I think he is also happy with his role right now.

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae expressed satisfaction with his team's commitment despite the loss. "We still have everything to fight for. I am very happy with the players' performance throughout the 90 minutes. I think both teams deserved to win," Fae said. Ivory Coast still has a chance to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history if they defeat Curacao in their final group game.

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We still have everything to fight for. I am very happy with the performances of the players throughout the 90 minutes. I think both teams deserved to win.