Ecuador produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by defeating four-time champions Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match, securing a dramatic place in the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. The victory marked Ecuador's first-ever win over Germany at a FIFA World Cup and only the second time in the nation's history that it has reached the knockout stage.
Germany, who had already sealed qualification before the match, made the perfect start when Leroy Sané found the net just 109 seconds after kick-off. Ecuador, however, responded immediately through Nilson Angulo, who scored the country's first goal of the tournament to restore parity. The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata capitalised on a defensive lapse to score the winner, sparking wild celebrations among Ecuadorian players and fans.
Despite the defeat, Germany finished as Group E winners with six points and advanced to the Round of 32. Ivory Coast claimed second place after defeating Curaçao 2-0, while Ecuador's victory ensured they progressed as one of the top eight third-placed teams under the expanded 48-team World Cup format. Curaçao finished bottom of the group and were eliminated.
Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece described the result as the biggest World Cup victory in his country's football history. His side had entered the match under immense pressure after losing to Ivory Coast and drawing with Curaçao in their opening two games. The comeback against Germany completed a remarkable turnaround and kept Ecuador's World Cup dream alive.
The conclusion of Group D and Group F also confirmed additional Round of 32 qualifiers. The United States topped Group D despite a 3-2 defeat to Turkey, while Australia advanced as runners-up after a goalless draw with Paraguay. In Group F, the Netherlands finished first following a 3-1 victory over Tunisia, with Japan securing second place after drawing 1-1 against Sweden.
With the group stage nearing its end, the Round of 32 is rapidly taking shape. Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Brazil, Morocco, the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Japan, Ivory Coast and Ecuador are among the teams already through, while several qualification spots remain up for grabs in the remaining groups. Fans can expect more high-stakes clashes as the expanded World Cup moves closer to its knockout phase.
