Paraguay await as group stage ends with Ecuador defeat

Ecuador 2–1 Germany, group still won

Germany lost their final group match 2–1 to Ecuador, but it changes nothing. Top spot was already secured before kick-off after the dramatic stoppage-time win over Ivory Coast (1) (6). Julian Nagelsmann rested Manuel Neuer among others, and Ecuador's president was so thrilled he declared 26 June a national holiday (11). A footnote.

Sepp Maier calls out Neuer

Legendary Germany goalkeeper Sepp Maier did not hold back. "Manu, früher hättest du den gehalten," he said after Ecuador's decisive goal, you would have saved that in the past (6). Neuer was one of several players rested, but Maier's words will echo.

Paraguay up next in the round of 32

Germany face Paraguay in the first knockout round. The matchup is confirmed with Paraguay locked in as the 3D vs 1E opponent (1) (4) (5). Your match is set for 29 June.

A bizarre fair-play scenario nearly changed the picture. Germany would have faced a different opponent if Paraguay's fair-play ranking slipped below another third-placed contender, but that door has closed (8).

France win Group I, Dembélé hat-trick

France demolished Norway 4–1 to top their group. Ousmane Dembélé scored three, Kylian Mbappé added one, and Erling Haaland's Norway were outclassed (7). France now sit in the same half of the bracket as Germany. A round-of-16 meeting is on the table if both sides advance.

Schlotterbeck fear, Undav decision

The win over Ivory Coast came at a cost: Nico Schlotterbeck is feared to have torn an ankle ligament, with an MRI scheduled. If confirmed, his World Cup is over. Meanwhile, Deniz Undav has three goals and two assists off the bench across the group stage, equalling a World Cup record for substitute goal involvements. Nagelsmann now has to decide whether Undav starts against Paraguay.

Fan reactions

The Paraguay matchup is locked in and fans are already circling 29 June on the calendar. Discussion is shifting toward the bracket path, with France looming in the same half, some supporters see a tough road ahead. Germany vs Paraguay confirmed in Round of 32 on June 29