Ecuador players celebrate after defeating Germany 2-1 during a dramatic FIFA World Cup group-stage encounter.
Ecuador produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coming from behind to defeat Germany 2-1, throwing Group E wide open and intensifying the battle for knockout qualification.
Germany took an early lead through Leroy Sané in the second minute, but Ecuador responded quickly as Nilson Angulo equalised seven minutes later. Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 77th minute to hand the South Americans a crucial victory and strengthen their chances of advancing to the next round.
The defeat leaves Germany under pressure heading into the decisive stage of the group phase, while Ecuador moved closer to securing a place in the knockout rounds.
In the other Group E fixture, Ivory Coast boosted their qualification hopes with a 2-0 victory over Curaçao. Nicolas Pépé scored in the 18th minute before adding a second goal deep into stoppage time to secure all three points for the Africans.
The Netherlands maintained their impressive form in Group F with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tunisia to finish top of the group.
An own goal by Ellyes Skhiri handed the Dutch an early advantage before Brian Brobbey doubled the lead. Hazem Mastouri reduced the deficit for Tunisia, but Jan Paul van Hecke restored the two-goal cushion to seal victory.
Japan and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw in the other Group F encounter. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead before Anthony Elanga equalised, leaving the qualification race delicately balanced.
Group D delivered one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches as Türkiye defeated the United States 3-2 in a five-goal thriller. Kaan Ayhan scored the decisive late goal to secure a vital victory for the Turks.
Meanwhile, Paraguay and Australia settled for a goalless draw in a result that leaves qualification scenarios open heading into the final round of group matches.
With several traditional football powers facing increasing pressure, the latest results have intensified the race for knockout places and set up a dramatic conclusion to the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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