Ecuador defeats Germany, reshapes World Cup knockout picture

Ecuador recorded a surprising 2‑1 victory over Germany in the World Cup Group E match, earning four points and finishing third in the group. The win keeps the South American side in contention to advance as one of the best third‑placed teams, depending on results in other groups.

Brazil’s knockout schedule was also outlined, giving the South American giants a favorable path that would only pit them against European powers in a possible final, while a showdown with regional rival Argentina could occur as early as the semifinals. In the aftermath of the Ecuador‑Germany game, former German international Bastian Schweinsteiger sparked controversy with remarks about Ivorian football that were criticised by Ivory Coast coach Emerson Faé as potentially racist.