One of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage unfolded in Group E as Ecuador stunned already-qualified Germany with a 2-1 victory. The famous win was enough to send the South Americans into the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

Joining Germany in the knockout phase are Ivory Coast, who comfortably defeated Curacao 2-0 to finish second in the group.

Ecuador Grab Unexpected Opportunity

Germany entered the match knowing top spot in Group E had already been secured, but Julian Nagelsmann's side looked determined to maintain their perfect record.

That appeared likely after only two minutes when Leroy Sane finished a swift attacking move to give the Germans an early lead. However, the goal immediately sparked controversy, as Aleksandar Pavlovic seemed to catch an Ecuadorian player in the head during the buildup. Despite furious protests, neither the referee nor VAR found sufficient reason to disallow the goal.

Ecuador refused to let the decision affect them.

Just seven minutes later, Nilson Angulo produced a superb strike from outside the penalty area that bounced in off the post, restoring parity and completely changing the momentum of the match.

Germany Unable to Respond

The Germans continued to dominate possession after halftime and thought they had been handed a golden opportunity to regain the lead when Kai Havertz won a penalty.

That decision was overturned after a VAR review, with officials spotting a German foul earlier in the attacking move.

It proved to be a crucial turning point.

Although Germany controlled much of the ball, they struggled to create the clear-cut chances that had characterized their earlier performances in the tournament.

Plata Delivers Historic Victory

Ecuador's patience was rewarded in the 78th minute.

Following a corner kick, Kevin Rodriguez flicked the ball across the six-yard box, where Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest to head home from close range and complete a memorable comeback.

Germany were unable to mount a late response, suffering their first defeat of the World Cup despite remaining group winners.

For Ecuador, the victory became one of the biggest results in the nation's football history, extending their tournament after an impressive recovery from earlier setbacks in the group.

Ivory Coast Defeated Curacao And Finish Second

Elsewhere, Ivory Coast took care of business against Curacao to guarantee automatic qualification.

Nicolas Pepe proved to be the difference, scoring both goals in a professional 2-0 victory that ensured the African side finished runners-up behind Germany.

Curacao, who had already made history by earning their first-ever World Cup point earlier in the tournament, were unable to produce another surprise and exited the competition.