Ecuador beats Germany and Colombia clinch win as South American teams advance in World Cup 2026 qualifiers

Ecuador secured a historic 2‑1 victory over Germany in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, sending the South American side into the round of 16. Coach Sebastián Beccacece said Argentine rock music, especially lyrics by Indio Solari, gave him strength before the match and reflected on his late father during the post‑match interview.

In a separate qualifier, Colombia defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 1‑0, earning six points from two games and leading Group K. After the win, former Colombian coach José Néstor Pékerman was filmed embracing former players James Rodríguez and Juan Fernando Quintero, recalling his role in Colombia’s 2014 and 2018 World Cup campaigns.