Ecuador Stuns Germany in Historic 2–1 FIFA 26

N.Y.NJ. (June 25, 2026) — In one of the most stunning upsets of the tournament, Ecuador staged a thrilling 2–1 comeback victory over regional heavyweights Germany at a raucous MetLife Stadium on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

The historic win rescued La Tri from the brink of group-stage elimination and secured their passage to the World Cup Round of 32 for the first time in two decades.

Germany, having already secured qualification, entered the final Group E match aiming to maintain a perfect record. They struck almost immediately. In the 2nd minute, Leroy Sané fired the Germans ahead with a controversial opener following an unpunished high-boot challenge in the buildup.

Facing an early exit, Ecuador responded with furious intensity. Just seven minutes later, Nilson Angulo ignited the heavily Ecuadorian crowd of 80,663, curling a brilliant equalizer past veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from outside the penalty area. It marked Ecuador’s first goal of the tournament and shifted the momentum entirely.

The second half delivered intense drama, featuring a German penalty call that was ultimately overturned by VAR. The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when substitute Kevin Rodríguez flicked a corner kick toward the back post, allowing winger Gonzalo Plata to smash home the winning goal. Ecuador’s defense held firm through grueling stoppage time to seal the historic result.

Despite the defeat, Germany advances as winners of Group E with six points and will play their Round of 32 match in Foxborough on June 29. Ivory Coast finishes second following a 2–0 win over Curaçao. Ecuador defies the odds to advance as one of the best third-placed teams, keeping their magical 2026 run alive.