Ecuador stun Germany to reach 2026 World Cup knockout stage

Ecuador reached the World Cup knockout stage in dramatic fashion as they came from behind to beat Germany in New Jersey and set up a potential meeting with England.

They had not scored a goal in their first two games, a draw with Curacao and a defeat by Ivory Coast, but finally showed the talent they possess as they took advantage of a lacklustre display from Germany, who had already topped Group E.

Germany made the perfect start after only two minutes when Leroy Sane picked up Florian Wirtz's clever pass in the area to fire a clinical finish beyond Ecuador keeper Hernan Galindez.

Ecuador were furious, convinced they should have been awarded a foul for Alexandar Pavlovic's high boot on Pedro Vite, but their protests were ignored.

Fuelled by that injustice, and by their masses of yellow-clad supporters, Ecuador responded with intensity and were level seven minutes later when Sunderland's Nilson Angulo sent a low drive past Manuel Neuer.

Ecuador continued to press in the second half and were rewarded 13 minutes from time when Gonzalo Plata reacted quicker than Neuer at a corner to send their fans wild with delight.

The result is bad news for Scotland as it reduces their chances of qualifying as one of the best third-placed finishers.