Ecuador stun Germany to qualify for FIFA World Cup knockout stage

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Group E standings at the FIFA World Cup 2026 were confirmed after Thursday's matches, with Ecuador and Ivory Coast securing places in the knockout stage. In one of the tournament's biggest upsets, Ecuador defeated four-time champions Germany 2-1 to book a place in the Round of 32. Ivory Coast also advanced after defeating Curaçao 2-0, qualifying for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the country's history.

Germany made a dream start against Ecuador, taking the lead in just the second minute through Leroy Sané. Ecuador responded quickly, with Nilson Angulo scoring in the ninth minute to level the score at 1-1. Both teams remained tied at the end of the first half.

Ecuador continued to attack after the break and found the winning goal in the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata finished a well-worked move to make it 2-1. Germany pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Ecuador's disciplined defence held firm to secure a famous victory.

With the win, Ecuador confirmed its place in the knockout stage. Germany, which had already qualified for the next round, suffered its first defeat of the tournament.

In the other Group E match, Ivory Coast dominated from the opening whistle. Nicolas Pépé gave his side an early lead with a goal in the seventh minute, helping his team take a 1-0 advantage into halftime.

Curaçao attempted to fight back in the second half but failed to break through Ivory Coast's solid defence. Pépé scored his second goal of the match in the 64th minute to seal a comfortable 2-0 victory.

The win ensured Ivory Coast finished second in Group E and reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Curaçao, making its World Cup debut, exited the tournament after the defeat.