Ecuador produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament to defeat four-time champions Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the New York Stadium.
The already-qualified Germany made a fast start, scoring with their first shot on target to take an early lead, with Leroy Sane finishing off a pass from Florian Wirtz.
Ecuador immediately appealed for a foul in the build-up, arguing that Germany’s Aleksandar Pavlovic had raised a high boot on Pedro Vite, with replays indicating contact with the Ecuadorian midfielder’s head before Sane converted the pass from Wirtz, but the goal stood. The goal was the second-fastest in Germany’s FIFA World Cup history, scored in just the 1.49th minute, as per OptaJoe’s X handle.
Ecuador fought their way back into the contest, pressing higher and forcing mistakes in Germany’s buildup play. Their goal came in the ninth minute when Nilson Angulo seized on a loose ball in midfield and unleashed a long-range strike that flew beyond Manuel Neuer to level the score.
Plata’s strike completes famous Ecuador win
The score remained 1-1 in the first half, with Ecuador gaining confidence as they matched Germany stride for stride, and Ecuador found the winning moment in the 77th minute.
From a right-sided corner, Kevin Rodriguez won a crucial aerial duel, flicking the ball across the goal. Gonzalo Plata reacted instinctively to poke home from close range. The goal sparked wild celebrations, with Ecuador’s bench and fans erupting in joy.
From there, Ecuador defended successfully in the last 10 minutes. Germany threw everything forward, but Ecuador held firm. Skipper Moises Caicedo was the key for Ecuador, dominating the midfield against the German midfield, consisting of Bayern star Kimmich.
In stoppage time, when Germany threw players forward in search of an equaliser, Ecuador defended well to get much-needed 3 points. After seven minutes of added time, Ecuador secured a famous 2-1 victory, one defined by a dramatic fightback that carried them into the knockout stage.
It marked only the second time in their history that Ecuador had progressed past the World Cup group stage, matching their achievement in 2006.
(With ANI inputs)
