Ecuador came from behind to defeat four-time champions Germany 2-1 at New Jersey Stadium, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Germany took an early lead through Leroy Sane in the second minute, but Nilson Angulo equalised seven minutes later with Ecuador’s first goal of the tournament. Gonzalo Plata scored the decisive winner late in the match after Kevin Rodriguez flicked on a corner.
Despite the defeat, Germany finished top of the group on goal difference, while Ecuador reached the World Cup knockout stage for only the second time after 2006.