26 June 2026
Ecuador Stun Germany to Reach World Cup Last 32
A Gonzalo Plata winner sent Ecuador through to the knockout stage as Germany suffered their first defeat of the tournament.
Ecuador pulled off one of the tournament's biggest upsets, beating four-time world champions Germany 2-1 to book their place in the round of 32, according to Sky Sports.
Match-winner Gonzalo Plata spoke with passion after the final whistle, saying his team believe deeply in themselves and are hungry for more glory in the knockout rounds. Ecuador head coach Sebastian Beccacece dedicated the result to the people of Ecuador, crediting his players for delivering that moment to the nation.
Germany now face a recovery job, meeting the third-place finisher from one of the other groups in the round of 32 on Monday in Boston. For Ecuador, the journey continues and, by the sound of Plata and Beccacece, they are only just getting started.
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