Ecuador defeats Germany to reach World Cup knockout stage
Ecuador upset Germany 2‑1 in the final Group E match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 25 June. Leroy Sané gave Germany an early lead in the second minute, but Nilson Angulo equalised for Ecuador nine minutes later. Gonzalo Plata, a Flamengo forward, scored the winning goal from a corner in the 77th minute, securing Ecuador’s place among the eight best third‑placed teams and advancing to the round of 16.
The victory marked the first time a South‑American side has beaten Germany in a World Cup group‑stage match. Germany still topped the group on six points, but the result sparked criticism of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, with German media and coach Julian Nagelsmann defending his performance and lamenting the defensive lapses that led to the loss.
The match featured notable contributions from Flamengo players Angulo and Plata and prompted post‑match analysis of Germany’s tactics and selection, while Ecuador celebrated a historic win that keeps the South‑American nation alive in the tournament.