Ecuador Beats Germany 2-1 to Reach World Cup Last 32

Ecuador came from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 on June 25, 2026, at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, keeping its World Cup campaign alive and advancing to the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Leroy Sane gave Germany the lead less than two minutes into the match with a first-time shot from Florian Wirtz’s lay-off.

Ecuador protested that a foul on Pedro Vite earlier in the move should have been called, but the goal stood.

The goal came after Ecuador had earned just one point from its first two group matches. Germany appealed for a penalty shortly after halftime when Joel Ordonez challenged Kai Havertz in the box, but VAR overturned the decision following a foul by Sane on Vite in the build-up.

Nagelsmann introduced Deniz Undav on the hour mark, but Ecuador pressed forward and created several chances. Enner Valencia’s effort was saved by Neuer, and a defensive mix-up between Neuer and Jonathan Tah nearly allowed Kevin Rodriguez to score.

“Plata then prodded home from close range 13 minutes from time, prompting wild celebrations on Thursday among a largely Ecuadorian crowd in New Jersey." Rodriguez flicked on a corner in the 77th minute and Gonzalo Plata stabbed the ball past Neuer from close range to give Ecuador the lead. The goal ended Germany’s 11-match winning run and secured Ecuador’s place in the knockout stage. Germany, already assured of first place in the group, will face another third-placed team in Foxborough on Monday in its first World Cup knockout match since winning the tournament in 2014.”