Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ecuador Beats Germany 2-1, First Knockout in 20 Years

6/26/2026

25 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ecuador’s late comeback secured its first World Cup knockout berth in two decades after beating Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium.
Gonzalo Plata scored the 77th-minute winner after a VAR-overturned penalty nullified a German spot-kick.
Ecuador finished third in Group E with four points, qualifying as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
The match drew a sell-out crowd of 80,663, setting a new tournament attendance record.

1 of 1

Story summary

Ecuador’s late comeback secured its first World Cup knockout berth in two decades after beating Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium.
Gonzalo Plata scored the 77th-minute winner after a VAR-overturned penalty nullified a German spot-kick.
Ecuador finished third in Group E with four points, qualifying as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
The match drew a sell-out crowd of 80,663, setting a new tournament attendance record.