Ecuador celebrating a goal against Germany(Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
By Our Reporter
Ecuador pulled a shocking display at the ongoing 2026 world cup by defeating Germany to qualify for the knock out stage of the World Cup.
Ecuador recovered from Leroy Sané’s second-minute goal as Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata completed a 2-1 comeback against Germany.
Plata scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute, lifting Ecuador to four points and securing qualification from third place in Group E.
Germany still won Group E ahead of Ivory Coast despite the defeat, while Curaçao finished bottom and were eliminated from the tournament.
Ecuador recovered from conceding inside two minutes to defeat Germany 2-1 and secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Leroy Sané gave Germany an immediate lead, but Nilson Angulo responded with Ecuador’s first goal of the tournament seven minutes later. Gonzalo Plata then scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute, sending Sebastián Beccacece’s team into the Round of 32.
Germany remained top of Group E despite the defeat, finishing ahead of Ivory Coast because of their head-to-head result. Ecuador placed third with four points and advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
Angulo Cancels Out Sané’s Early Opener
Germany needed only one minute and 49 seconds to take the lead. Florian Wirtz worked his way through a crowded area and found Sané, who directed a left-footed finish beyond Hernán Galíndez.
The goal was reviewed after Ecuador appealed for a high boot by Aleksandar Pavlović during the buildup, but VAR allowed it to stand.
Ecuador responded quickly after Pedro Vite dispossessed Felix Nmecha outside the German penalty area. Vite moved the ball to Angulo, who curled a long-range effort into the bottom corner in the ninth minute.
It was Ecuador’s first goal of the tournament, coming with their 40th shot following a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast and a goalless draw with Curaçao.
Germany continued to have more possession, but Ecuador applied greater pressure after the equalizer. Moisés Caicedo helped control midfield, while Joel Ordóñez produced an important block to stop Jamal Musiala’s shot.
Plata Scores Ecuador’s Decisive Goal
Germany thought they had earned a penalty immediately after halftime when Ordóñez challenged Kai Havertz inside the area. Referee Victoria Penso initially pointed to the spot but overturned the decision after a VAR review identified a foul by Sané on Vite earlier in the move.
Manuel Neuer later denied Enner Valencia, while Ecuador survived a defensive mix-up between the German goalkeeper and Jonathan Tah without converting the opportunity.
The winning goal came from a corner in the 77th minute. Kevin Rodríguez redirected Moisés Caicedo’s delivery at the near post, allowing Plata to move ahead of Neuer and poke the ball into the net.
Sané had an opportunity to equalize one minute earlier but mishit his effort after Deniz Undav directed a long pass into his path. Germany continued to attack during seven minutes of stoppage time, although Undav and Pascal Groß were unable to find the target.
Ecuador finished with seven shots and generated 1.51 expected goals, compared with Germany’s 0.65. Vite also made nine tackles, the most recorded by an Ecuador player in a World Cup match since detailed tournament data became available in 1966.
Germany Win Group as Ecuador Advance in Third
Germany entered the match having already qualified following victories over Curaçao and Ivory Coast. Julian Nagelsmann’s team still finished first in Group E despite seeing its 11-match winning streak end.
Ivory Coast secured second place after defeating Curaçao in the group’s other final fixture. Ecuador ended the group stage with four points and advanced from third place, while Curaçao were eliminated with one point.
