Deniz Undav becomes the first footballer with Yazidi roots to score at the World Cup

Germany forward Deniz Undav has written his name into World Cup history. The 29-year-old Stuttgart striker became the first footballer with Yazidi roots to score a goal at the tournament.

The historic moment came in Germany’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Curaçao. Undav came on as a substitute in the 64th minute and quickly became one of the main heroes of the game, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

By doing so, the German forward repeated a rare achievement. Undav became the first player since James Rodríguez against Japan at the 2014 World Cup to record 1 goal and 2 assists after coming on as a substitute in a World Cup match.

Deniz Undav was born on July 19, 1996, in Varel, Germany, and grew up in Achim, near Bremen. His parents are Kurdish Yazidis from the village of Işıklı in the Viranşehir district of Şanlıurfa Province in southeastern Turkey.

The footballer’s grandfather emigrated to Germany under the pressure that followed the 1980 military coup. At that time, many Yazidis were leaving the region due to pressure and instability.

Undav is one of five children in his family. His brother Rocat also plays football and represents TSV Achim.

For the Yazidi community, Undav’s goal became a historic moment at the biggest football tournament in the world. Germany comfortably defeated Curaçao 7-1 in that match and made a successful start to the 2026 World Cup.