Ecuador Stun Germany 2-1 to 2026 FWC Round of 32 as Best Third-Placed Team

Ecuador produced one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, defeating Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match on Thursday to secure a place in the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

Germany made a dream start when Leroy Sané found the net just two minutes into the contest, becoming the first team to score 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup. 

Ecuador responded swiftly, however, with Nelson Angulo equalizing in the ninth minute to restore parity before halftime.

The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata fired home the winning goal, completing Ecuador's comeback and keeping their World Cup campaign alive.

Despite the defeat, Germany finished top of Group E on goal difference with six points, level with second-placed Ivory Coast. 

Ecuador claimed third place with four points, enough to qualify for the knockout stage among the competition's best third-placed teams, while Curaçao finished bottom of the group with one point and was eliminated.