Ecuador beats Germany to qualify for World Cup 2026 Round of 32

Ecuador beats Germany to qualify for World Cup 2026 Round of 32

Gonzalo Plata scored a 77th-minute winner to propel Ecuador to a 2-1 victory over Germany. The result at MetLife Stadium ensures Ecuador advances to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the second time in its history, emulating a 2006 run that ended in Stuttgart against England.

Germany took an early lead in the second minute when Leroy Sané scored. However, the lead was short-lived. In the ninth minute, Nilson Angulo beat goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at the far post to equalize.

The match remained deadlocked until the second half. After a video review overturned a penalty originally awarded to Germany, Ecuador continued to press. The winning moment arrived when Kevin Rodríguez headed toward Neuer. Plata used his foot to deflect it into the net.

The victory was a significant redemption for Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece, who has faced criticism from figures such as former international winger Jefferson Montero. Following the final whistle, the Ecuador squad and staff knelt in the center circle for a collective prayer while fans in yellow remained in the stands to celebrate.

Despite the loss, Germany maintains first place in Group E. Ivory Coast finished second in Group E after a 2-0 win over Curaçao.

Ecuador finishes third in Group E with four points. Because of the expanded 48-team tournament format, which allows the top eight of 12 third-place teams to advance, Ecuador has secured a spot in the knockouts. This marks the first time Ecuador has defeated a European nation since a 2013 friendly win against Portugal.

The atmosphere was heightened by a large local Ecuadorian population in New Jersey. In a notable moment during the post-match celebrations, Ecuador captain Moises Caicedo was seen receiving a hug from Jurgen Klopp and Mats Hummels near the German broadcasting set.

Other teams have already secured their positions in the Round of 32. Co-hosts Mexico and the United States were the first to qualify. Mexico clinched the top seed in Group A, while the U.S. Won Group D. Argentina and France have also advanced, with Argentina's Lionel Messi becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history following a win over Austria on June 22. Norway has also qualified, following a 3-2 win over Senegal in which Erling Haaland scored twice.

The knockout stages are single-elimination. If matches remain tied after 90 minutes of regulation, they proceed to 30 minutes of extra time, and finally a penalty shootout if necessary. Ecuador now awaits its specific pairing, with forecasts suggesting a high probability of facing Mexico.