Ecuador stun Germany 2–1 to reach World Cup knockouts

Ecuador beat Germany 2–1 and you are through to the knockout stage

That was the night. That was the result. Ecuador 2–1 Germany in the final group match and La Tri are into the World Cup 2026 knockout rounds (1) (2) (3) (5) (8) (9) (10) (11) (15) (17) (18).

Beccacece, under fire after the 0–0 draw with Curaçao, delivered when it mattered most. "Este Ecuador enamora," he said after the match, this Ecuador makes you fall in love (9). The BBC called it a journey from the brink to World Cup history (11).

German media did not hold back. t-online handed out three 5s in their player ratings and called it a botched end to the group phase (1). Julian Nagelsmann told critics to "please stop the nonsense" and defended his side, but the damage was done (8). The international press ripped into Germany (6).

Inside the German camp, there was a debate over the winning goal. Manuel Neuer rejected any blame: "Everyone who has ever played in goal..." he said, insisting he was not at fault for the decisive strike (4) (12) (16).

Ecuador advance. Germany are warned ahead of the next round (15). Moisés Caicedo put in another standout performance in midfield, building on his showing against Curaçao. The goals came when your team needed them.

Nagelsmann also faced questions about his "Wusiala" duo after the loss, but deflected with praise for both Musiala and Wirtz (14).

Fan-reaktioner

Ecuador's president declared Friday June 26 a national holiday in celebration of the win, and fans on Reddit are soaking it in: "They seem to be quite happy down there. Enjoy!" (Reddit 1). Videos of Beccacece celebrating and scenes of players with supporters are doing the rounds too (Reddit 2, 5). A third thread notes Ecuador qualified among the best third-place teams alongside Bosnia and Sweden (Reddit 3).