Kathmandu, June 26: Ecuador secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after coming from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match at New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States.
Germany made a dream start, taking the lead just two minutes into the game through Leroy Sané.
However, Ecuador responded quickly as Nilson Angulo found the equalizer in the ninth minute to make it 1-1.
The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata scored the winner, completing Ecuador’s impressive comeback and sealing a memorable victory.
In the other Group E fixture, Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0 to secure their place in the Round of 32. Nicolas Pépé scored both goals, finding the net in the 7th and 64th minutes.
Despite the defeat, Germany finished with six points and advanced to the knockout stage. Ivory Coast also collected six points and qualified as group runners-up on goal difference. Ecuador finished with four points and progressed as one of the eight best third-placed teams, while Curaçao, with one point, were eliminated from the tournament.
