Ecuador came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match Thursday, securing a place in the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
—Sane gives Germany early lead, record pace—
Germany, already qualified after two wins, struck first through Leroy Sane in the 9th minute — Germany’s earliest World Cup goal since 1934.
From Florian Wirtz’s lay-off, Sane rolled a low finish past diving keeper Hernán Galíndez from inside the box for his first-ever goal at a major tournament.
![](https://www.theconclaveng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Hartland.png")
—Ecuador hit back in 7 minutes—
Sebastián Beccacece’s side responded quickly to finally break their World Cup 2026 duck.
Midfielder Nilson Angulo, making his first start in North America, picked up a pass from Pablo Vite outside the box, shot through Aleksandar Pavlovic’s legs and beat Manuel Neuer. It was Ecuador’s first goal of the tournament, and it came without record nine-time World Cup player Enner Valencia on the scoresheet.
—VAR denies Germany, drama late on—
Germany had a penalty in the second half, but referee Tori Penso overturned it after VAR showed an earlier foul by Sane on Vite.
The match turned in the last quarter. After a Neuer-Tah mix-up, Plata headed over from a Moisés Caicedo cross. Sane then forced a save from Galíndez at the other end.
Ecuador got the winner moments later: substitute Kevin Rodríguez flicked on a corner at the near post and Plata beat Neuer to it, steering the ball into the roof of the net.
Pepe brace sends Côte d’Ivoire to World Cup knockouts for first time as Curaçao bow out
—Group E final standings—
1. Germany: Top the group on superior goal difference despite defeat, finishing with 6 points.
2. Côte d’Ivoire: Also on 6 points after beating Curaçao.
3. Ecuador: Through as one of the eight best third-placed teams with 4 points.
Germany will carry their goal-difference edge into the knockouts, while Ecuador’s late winner sends La Tri into the R32 for the first time since 2014.
