Ecuador produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by defeating Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match on Thursday, securing a place in the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Needing victory to keep their campaign alive, Ecuador endured the worst possible start when already-qualified Germany struck inside two minutes. Leroy Sane opened the scoring after Florian Wirtz released him with a quick throw-in, allowing the winger to slot a left-footed finish past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.
Ecuador appealed for a foul in the build-up, arguing that Aleksandar Pavlovic had caught Pedro Vite with a raised boot moments before the goal. Referee Tori Penso allowed play to continue and the goal stood.
Germany’s early strike was their second-fastest goal in FIFA World Cup history, arriving in the second minute.
The setback did little to discourage Ecuador, who had failed to score in their opening two matches despite creating numerous chances. Their persistence paid off in the ninth minute when Nilson Angulo collected possession outside the penalty area and curled a superb effort beyond Manuel Neuer to level the scores.
The equaliser transformed the contest, with Ecuador pressing aggressively and disrupting Germany’s rhythm throughout the remainder of the first half.
© instagram.com/dfb_teamGermany, who had already secured top spot in Group E before kick-off, looked vulnerable defensively once again. The four-time world champions have now conceded in all three of their group-stage matches despite finishing first in the group with six points.
The second half produced another controversial moment when Germany were initially awarded a penalty after Kai Havertz appeared to be tripped by Joel Ordonez inside the area. Following a VAR review, however, Penso overturned the decision after identifying a German foul earlier in the attacking move.
Clear-cut opportunities remained limited until the 78th minute when Ecuador completed their comeback. Substitute Kevin Rodriguez flicked on a corner at the near post and Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest, stabbing the ball past Neuer from close range to send Ecuador’s supporters into celebration.
Germany pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages and seven minutes of added time, but Ecuador defended resolutely to seal a famous victory.
© instagram.com/latriecu“It was incredible. We had a lot of faith and want our fans to know that there are 26 players here that will give their all for everyone in our country,” Plata said.
“People packed the stadiums wherever we played and made us feel right at home. They deserve this far more than we do. We struggled a lot in the first two matches but now we’re even more determined.
“We’ve learnt that you have to give it your all right up to the last minute, even if the goal doesn’t come early on. Today we struggled right to the end and, thank goodness, it went our way.”
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich admitted his side’s defensive displays remain a concern despite progressing as group winners.
“We keep inviting the opposition in with turnovers, making them look good in the process,” Kimmich said.
© instagram.com/latriecu“Fortunately, no real harm has been done yet. But it’s clear we can’t afford another defeat. We can’t keep conceding one or two goals every game. We need to minimise our turnover rate; then we can beat anyone.”
Ivory Coast also advanced after defeating Curacao 2-0, finishing level on points with Germany but behind on goal difference. Ecuador booked their place in the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, marking only the second time they have progressed beyond the World Cup group stage after first doing so in 2006.
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