New Jersey: Ecuador advances to World Cup knockouts after 2-1 win over Germany

By Bilal Ahmed — 26 June 2026 — 3 min read

Ecuador secures knockout stage berth

Ecuador has advanced to the World Cup knockout stage following a 2-1 victory over Germany in a Group E clash in New Jersey. The South American nation secured their spot in the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, marking only their second time reaching this stage of the tournament. The match saw Ecuador come from behind, with Gonzalo Plata scoring the decisive goal.

The game began with an early lead for Germany, as Leroy Sane found the net less than two minutes into the match. However, Ecuador quickly responded, with Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo levelling the score seven minutes later. The equalizer came after Germany’s Felix Nmecha lost possession in his own half, allowing Angulo to drill a low shot past Manuel Neuer from 20 yards.

The opening goal for Germany was not without controversy. Ecuador was incensed that a foul was not called earlier in the play when Aleksandar Pavlovic made contact with Pedro Vite’s head with a high boot. Despite protests from the Ecuadorian side, the goal was allowed to stand. This decision fueled Ecuador’s intensity, leading to their rapid response.

Germany, who had already secured the top spot in Group E, made two injury-enforced changes to their lineup. Antonio Rudiger replaced Nico Schlotterbeck, who was ruled out of the World Cup due to ankle ligament damage. David Raum also started at left-back in place of Nathaniel Brown. Despite his recent performance against Ivory Coast, where he scored both goals in a 2-1 victory, Deniz Undav did not start the match.

Dramatic second half performance

The second half saw continued action and a pivotal moment when Kai Havertz believed he had won a penalty after being challenged by Joel Ordonez in the box. However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, overturning the spot-kick due to a foul by Sane on Vite in the build-up. This decision provided significant relief for Ecuador.

Ecuador continued to press, demonstrating a vibrant performance that matched the mood of their supporters. Nilson Angulo, who was later awarded man-of-the-match, proved to be a constant threat throughout the game. The team’s efforts were rewarded 13 minutes from time when Gonzalo Plata reacted quickly to a corner, prodding the ball home from close range. This goal, which ended Germany’s 11-match winning run, sparked wild celebrations among the largely Ecuadorian crowd in New Jersey.

Earlier in the match, Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann introduced Undav on the hour mark, hoping to leverage his goal-scoring ability, as he had scored three goals in the tournament so far. However, Ecuador knew they needed to take risks to secure their advancement. Manuel Neuer made a save from Enner Valencia’s fierce shot, and a defensive mix-up between Neuer and Jonathan Tah nearly allowed Kevin Rodriguez to score. Plata also steered wide from a follow-up cross delivered by Moises Caicedo.

Sane had another opportunity to put Germany back in the lead but shot tamely at Hernan Galindez. Ecuador capitalized on this missed chance, with Plata ultimately securing the win. The victory was particularly significant for Ecuador, as they had not scored in their first two games of the tournament, drawing with Curacao and losing to Ivory Coast. Their performance against Germany showcased the talent within the squad, including players like Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.

What’s next for the teams

With their progression to the last 32 confirmed, Ecuador will now prepare for the knockout stage. Their dramatic come-from-behind victory has set up a potential meeting with England, depending on other results.

Germany, despite the loss, will travel to Foxborough for their last-32 tie on Monday. They will face another third-placed finisher in their first World Cup knockout match since winning the trophy in 2014. The result of this match has implications for other teams, as it reduces Scotland’s chances of qualifying as one of the best third-placed finishers.

Source: aljazeera.com