Ecuador secures World Cup knockout spot after beating Germany

Argentina-born coach Sebastián Beccacece led the Ecuador national football team to a dramatic 2‑1 victory over four‑time world champion Germany at New York’s MetLife Stadium. The win, achieved after Ecuador trailed 0‑1, earned the South American side a place in the World Cup round of 16 – its first knockout‑stage appearance since 2006.

Beccacece celebrated on the sidelines, embracing family and fans, and later said the triumph was “for the people, a joy for the people.” He pledged to keep fighting and hinted he will remain Ecuador’s head coach.

Key Ecuador players such as Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié, and Moisés Caicedo starred in the match, underscoring the squad’s growing reputation on the world stage.