An increasingly desperate Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 on Wednesday to drag its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign out of the flames and qualify for a place in the last 32.
Needing a win – or a miracle – to keep their hopes alive, the South Americans suffered the worst possible start when already qualified Germany struck in the second minute, with Leroy Sane brilliantly opening his account at a major international tournament in his 15th appearance in one.
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Ecuador had failed to score in this tournament despite 39 previous attempts, but finally broke the target with their 40th shot when Nilson Angulo curled the ball past Manuel Neuer, sparking a wild celebration in the sea of yellow in the stands.
Gonzalo Plata then brought home the winner with 13 minutes remaining, sending Ecuador into the knockout rounds.
Ecuador vs Germany – Player Ratings
Ecuador: Galindez (6.7), Franco (6.9), Ordóñez (7.4), Pacho (7.3), Hincapié (6.5), Yeboah (7.7), Caicedo (7.9), Vite (8.8), Angulo (8.5), Plata (7.4), Valencia (6.3)
Subs: Preciado (6.4), Rodríguez (7.0), Estupinán (6.7), Torres (no rating), Caicedo (no rating)
Germany: Neuer (5.5), Kimmich (6.5), Tah (6.2), Rüdiger (6.1), Raum (6.4), Nmecha (4.8), Pavlovic (5.8), Sané (7.4), Musiala (6.4), Wirtz (7.5), Havertz (6.7)
Subs: Stiller (6.4), Thiaw (6.4), Undav (6.2), Beier (5.8), Groß (6.1)
(With input from Reuters)
Published on June 26, 2026
