In addition to overtaking Messi on the top scorer list, Deniz Undav has also become the player coming off the bench to score the most goals in World Cup history.
Deniz Undav is becoming one of the most notable stories of the German national team at the 2026 World Cup. Without needing to start, the Stuttgart forward still knows how to make a massive impact whenever he is brought onto the pitch by Julian Nagelsmann. After two group stage matches, Undav already has 3 goals and 2 assists, outright overtaking Messi to lead the 2026 World Cup top scorer list by having the same number of goals but more assists.
In the opening match against Curaçao, Undav came off the bench but immediately contributed to Germany’s resounding 7-1 victory. He scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists, demonstrating a very quick ability to adapt to the tempo of the match. That was not only an effective performance, but also an affirmation that the German team possesses an attacking option capable of changing the situation in a short period of time. Undav is leading the 2026 World Cup top scorer list with 3 goals and 2 assists
Moving on to the match against Ivory Coast, Undav continued to prove his value. When Germany was trailing and faced many difficulties in penetrating the opponent’s defense, Nagelsmann decided to bring him onto the pitch. The forward responded with a second-half brace, including the equalizer and the decisive strike in stoppage time, helping Germany secure a 2-1 comeback win and earn a ticket to the knockout rounds.
Undav’s numbers become even more special when put into the context that he has not started a single match. No player has had more goal involvements than him when coming off the bench in a single World Cup tournament. With 5 goal contributions, including 3 goals and 2 assists, Undav is the perfect role model of a player who is always ready to make a difference.
Notably, Undav also became the first German player since Miroslav Klose in 2002 to score in both of his first two World Cup matches. Being compared to Klose is a lot of pressure, but it also shows the stature of the start that Undav is creating. In a German national team rich in attacking options, his sharpness and goalscoring instinct are becoming a weapon that is very difficult to overlook.
Julian Nagelsmann admitted that the possibility of Undav starting in the upcoming matches could happen. However, the German national team manager also emphasized that the forward is doing very well in his current role and “things could go either way”. Whether he continues as a substitute or is granted a starting spot, Undav has certainly given Nagelsmann serious food for thought at this moment.
