Ecuador beat Germany 2-1 in World Cup 2026 Group E match
Ecuador secured a 2-1 victory over four-time champions Germany in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match held at the New York New Jersey stadium on Friday. The win, achieved in front of fans chanting 'Sí, se puede' ('yes, we can'), keeps Ecuador's hopes of advancing to the Round of 32 alive.
Despite the loss, Germany remain atop Group E with six points from three matches, having won two and lost one. Ivory Coast, who defeated Curacao 2-0 in the group's other simultaneous fixture, also have six points with the same record. Ecuador have four points from a win, a loss and a draw, and are likely to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
The match saw Ecuador take an early lead through a goal in the first half. Germany equalised before Ecuador's Gonzalo Plata scored the decisive second goal, sparking celebrations among the Ecuadorian supporters. The result is notable given Germany's historical dominance in the tournament.
Ecuador's progression will depend on the final group standings and the outcome of other groups, as the 2026 World Cup features a 48-team format with 32 teams advancing to the knockout stage. Germany will need to regroup ahead of the Round of 32, while Ecuador aim to build on this performance.
