Ecuador defeats Germany 2-1 to reach World Cup 2026 round of 16

In the final Group E match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Ecuador overturned an early deficit to beat four‑time champion Germany 2–1 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Gonzalo Plata headed in the winner in the 71st minute after a corner delivered by Moisés Caícedo and a flick from Kevin Rodríguez, securing Ecuador’s place in the round of 16 as one of the tournament’s best third‑placed teams.

Germany’s veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said after the game that he had tried simply to catch the ball, adding, “I just wanted to catch the ball, that was the safest option.” Ecuador striker Plata reflected on the victory, noting, “Now we live differently because we suffered a lot; we wanted to qualify earlier, but now we go with hunger.” The result eliminated Germany, who had already clinched the group, and marked a historic upset in the competition.