Ecuador advances to World Cup knockout stage after beating Germany

Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup played in New Jersey, securing a place in the knockout round for the first time in twenty years.

Germany took the lead in the second minute through Leroy Sané. Ecuador equalised nine minutes later via Angulo, and Plat scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute. The win made Ecuador the best third‑placed team and guaranteed its progression to the round of 16.