Ecuador Stuns Germany 2-1 to Secure Historic Knockout Berth; Ivory Coast Also Advances
The dramatic upsets in Groups D, E, and F reshaped the knockout bracket, with Japan, Sweden, and Australia also punching their tickets to the next stage.
The story
Ecuador delivered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament last night, coming from behind to defeat already-qualified Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Germany's Leroy Sane opened the scoring just two minutes in, but Ecuador quickly responded with Nilson Angulo finding the equalizer around the ninth minute.
The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata prodded home a winner after a corner, sparking jubilant celebrations. The victory secured Ecuador's place in the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, a significant achievement for the South American side.
Yesterday's results
Japan vs Sweden
Score: 1-1
Key: Daizen Maeda (Japan, 56') and Anthony Elanga (Sweden, 62') traded goals as both sides advanced.
Tunisia vs Netherlands
Score: 1-3
Key: Netherlands secured top spot with an Ellyes Skhiri own goal (3'), Brian Brobbey (7'), and Jan Paul van Hecke (62') after Hazem Mastouri (Tunisia, 54') pulled one back.
Curacao vs Ivory Coast
Score: 0-2
Key: Nicolas Pepe's brace (7', 64') sent Ivory Coast into the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Ecuador vs Germany
Score: 2-1
Key: Gonzalo Plata's 77th-minute winner completed Ecuador's comeback after Leroy Sane (Germany, 2') and Nilson Angulo (Ecuador, 9') scored early.
Paraguay vs Australia
Score: 0-0
Key: A goalless draw saw Australia secure second place in Group D, with Paraguay likely advancing as a best third-placed team.
Turkiye vs United States
Score: 3-2
Key: Turkiye earned a consolation win with Kaan Ayhan's late goal (90+8'), despite goals from Auston Trusty (USA, 3') and Sebastian Berhalter (USA, 49').
Where it stands
Group F concluded with the Netherlands topping the group with 7 points, followed by Japan in second with 5 points, and Sweden securing a spot in the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams with 4 points. Tunisia was eliminated.
In Group E, Germany held onto first place with 6 points despite their loss, with Ivory Coast finishing second, also on 6 points. Ecuador's crucial win saw them through as a best third-placed team with 4 points, while Curacao exited.
Group D saw the USA remain top with 6 points, Australia in second with 4 points, and Paraguay also on 4 points, almost certainly advancing as a best third-placed team. Turkiye was eliminated.
What we'll be watching
- Norway vs France [World Cup, Group I] – 2026-06-26T23:00Z (Foxborough)
- Senegal vs Iraq [World Cup, Group I] – 2026-06-26T23:00Z (Toronto)
- Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia [World Cup, Group H] – 2026-06-27T04:00Z (Houston)
- Uruguay vs Spain [World Cup, Group H] – 2026-06-27T04:00Z (Zapopan)
- Egypt vs Iran [World Cup, Group G] – 2026-06-27T07:00Z (Seattle)
- New Zealand vs Belgium [World Cup, Group G] – 2026-06-27T07:00Z (Vancouver)
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.