The lead
June 25, 2026 — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA — Ecuador stun Germany to enter World Cup knockouts. Ecuador produced a rousing fightback to come from behind and beat Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match in New Jersey to put themselves into the last 32 of the World Cup.
How the match unfolded
This Group E match finished 2-1 for Ecuador over Germany in regulation on the official ESPN match center. Ecuador seized early momentum when Leroy Sané (Germany) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Florian Wirtz. in the 2'. The middle phases featured 1 more goal as both sides traded blows in a tense group-stage atmosphere. The final swing came in the 77' when Gonzalo Plata (Ecuador) left footed shot from very close range to the top right corner. Assisted by Kevin Rodríguez with a headed pass following a corner.. 80,663 fans were in the building at MetLife Stadium.
Key passages from the live ESPN commentary feed:
Goal-by-goal
Cards, fouls, and controversy
Ecuador produced a rousing fightback to come from behind and beat Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match in New Jersey to put themselves into the last 32 of the World Cup.
Bookings: 4 yellow cards were issued per the official match log.
What it means in the tournament
Ecuador leave MetLife Stadium with a result that moves them forward in the 48-team bracket. In Group E, table points, goal difference, and fair-play tiebreakers all matter across the opening 72 group matches before the new Round of 32 begins.
What comes next
Both Ecuador and Germany continue Group E play on the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule before the knockout stage opens June 28.
*Sources: ESPN match center, ESPN match feed, FIFA World Cup 2026. AthX covers MLB trading; this recap is for World Cup fans following the North America tournament. Information only; not financial advice.*
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