Ecuador defeats Germany to reach World Cup 2026 knockouts

Ecuador overcame a two‑minute deficit to beat four‑time champions Germany 2‑1 in New Jersey, securing a place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Leroy Sane gave Germany an early lead, but Nilson Angulo equalised seven minutes later, and Gonzalo Plata scored the winning goal from a close‑range cross in the final quarter.

The victory marks only the second time Ecuador has reached the knockout stage, the first being in 2006. Despite the loss, Germany remain top of Group E on goal difference. A VAR review overturned an early penalty awarded to Germany, and the match featured a late‑stage mix‑up involving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer before Plata’s decisive strike.

Ecuador’s advancement as one of the best eight third‑placed teams guarantees a further match, with a likely opponent being group‑leader England.