Ecuador Beats Germany 2-1 to Reach World Cup Round of 32

Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup group-stage match on June 25, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The win sent Ecuador into the round of 32. Germany took the lead in the second minute when Florian Wirtz assisted Leroy Sané.

Ecuador equalized seven minutes later after Pedro Vite won possession and Nilson Angulo scored from open play, their first such goal in a competitive match since March 2025. Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 77th minute after a mix-up between Moisés Caicedo and Jonathan Tah left him free at the far post. Referee Tori Penso officiated.

VAR reviewed two incidents without altering the score: it declined to act on an apparent kick to Vite's face before Germany's opener and overturned a penalty to Germany after determining Wirtz had fouled Vite. Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece made a double substitution at halftime, sending on Kevin Rodríguez and Ángelo Preciado for Enner Valencia and Alan Franco.

Germany had already secured first place in Group E and made two changes from its prior match.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer faced criticism after both Ecuador goals. Coach Julian Nagelsmann said, "I think it has to be defended differently. " Seven minutes of stoppage time were added at the end.

Ecuador had recorded 39 shots across its two prior group matches without scoring.