Published: June 26, 2026 at 12:28 pm
Ecuador pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage. The South Americans came from behind to defeat four-time champions Germany 2-1 and book their place in the Round of 32.
A spirited display, highlighted by goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata, secured Ecuador’s place in the Round of 32 and handed Germany their first defeat of the tournament.
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Germany could not have asked for a better start, taking the lead just 2 minutes into the contest. Florian Wirtz split the Ecuador defence with a perfectly weighted pass before Leroy Sané rifled a powerful finish into the near post to hand the four-time world champions an early advantage.
Ecuador respond in spectacular fashion
Ecuador responded in spectacular fashion only seven minutes later. Nilson Angulo produced a moment of individual brilliance, curling a sensational long-range strike into the far corner to restore parity and shift the momentum of the contest.
The victory sees Ecuador advance to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, while Germany finish the group stage with their first defeat ahead of the knockout rounds. Pics: FIFA/X.com
The remainder of the match unfolded at a relentless pace, with Germany controlling possession and searching for a second goal, while Ecuador continued to threaten on the counterattack with pace and purpose. Both sides created opportunities in an absorbing contest as qualification to the knockout stage hung in the balance.
The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when K Rodríguez delivered a perfectly timed header for Gonzalo Plata, who kept his composure to finish clinically and complete Ecuador’s remarkable comeback.
Germany threw numbers forward in the closing stages, but Ecuador defended resolutely to preserve their lead and secure one of the tournament’s most memorable results. The victory sees Ecuador advance to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, while Germany finish the group stage with their first defeat ahead of the knockout rounds.
Japan and Sweden share spoils to reach knockouts
Japan and Sweden played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F fixture, with both nations doing enough to extend their tournament journeys. Japan secured second place in the group to qualify automatically for the Round of 32, while Sweden progressed as one of the competition’s 8 best third-placed teams.
With qualification on the line, both teams approached the contest cautiously, producing a closely fought first half dominated by disciplined defending and midfield battles. Clear-cut chances were limited as neither side managed to break the deadlock before the interval.
Japan found the breakthrough in the 56th minute through Daizen Maeda. Ritsu Doan threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into the striker’s path, and Maeda timed his run to perfection before calmly slotting past the Swedish goalkeeper to give the Samurai Blue the lead.
Sweden respond swiftly
Sweden responded swiftly just six minutes later through Anthony Elanga. The winger showcased his individual brilliance, cutting inside before curling a sublime finesse finish from the edge of the penalty area into the far corner to bring his side level.
Both teams searched for a decisive goal during the closing stages, but disciplined defensive displays and assured goalkeeping at either end ensured the points were shared at the final whistle.
The result was enough for Japan to finish second in Group F and book an automatic place in the Round of 32. Sweden’s valuable point also secured progression, with the Scandinavians advancing as one of the FIFA World Cup 2026’s eight best third-placed teams to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Three African nations in knockouts
In a historical moment for the African continent, three African nations have for the first-ever time qualified for the knockout stage in the same tournament. They are South Africa, Morocco and Ivory Coast.
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Fixtures for June 27:
Norway Vs France (12:30 am)
Senegal Vs Iraq (12:30 am)
Cabo Verde Vs Saudi Arabia (5:30 am)
Uruguay Vs Spain (5:30 am)
New Zealand Vs Belgium (8:30 am)
Egypt Vs Iran (8:30 am)
