Ecuador produced a stunning comeback to beat group winners Germany 2-1 in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E clash, clinching a historic place in the Round of 32. Leroy Sané opened the scoring with Germany’s earliest World Cup goal since 1934, but Nilson Angulo equalised before Gonzalo Plata struck in the 77th minute, sealing Ecuador’s qualification despite Germany topping the group.
Amazingly, Ecuador has beaten top championship contenders Germany at the FiFA World Cup 2026. It was the proverbial David vs Goliath face-off and the former emerged triumphant against all odds. While the stakes may not have been the same, for Ecuador, it means a whole lot as the celebrations by fans at home showed. With this win, Ecuador has secured its place in the Round of 32. It was their final Group E match and they emerged 2-1 winners. With this result, they joined nations such as Argentina, the United States of America, Mexico, and Germany in the knockout stage. Yes, Germany had qualified earlier.
The group winners, Germany, had already qualified for the next stage after two wins. The actual question for football fans across the globe was whether Ecuador would join the Round of 32. Ecuador answered that question by defeating Germany and officially booking their spot in the Round of 32.
Leroy Sane scored the first goal of the match for Germany, but Ecuador was quick to equalise, as Nilson Angulo powered in the next goal. The match was then heading for a draw, but Gonzalo Plata had other ideas and refused to let the game drift. It was his late strike that gave Ecuador the lead and secured their place in the knockout stage. It was in the 77th minute that Gonzalo Plata scored the winning goal. While Germany launched attack after attack thereafter, they just could not breach the solid Ecuadorian wall.
Even though they suffered an upset and lost their first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Germany still finished as the winners of Group E.
Has Ecuador qualified for the Round of 32?
Yes, after its win against Germany in its final group-stage match, Ecuador has officially qualified for the Round of 32.
Who scored the winning goal for Ecuador?
The winning goal for Ecuador in the Ecuador vs Germany match was scored by Gonzalo Plata.
How many teams have qualified for the Round of 32?
As of 26th June, 2026 (10:45 AM IST), 19 teams have officially qualified for the Round of 32.