Ecuador and Ivory Coast booked their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 on Thursday, while Germany’s hopes of a deep run suffered a setback despite topping Group E.
Ecuador Stun Germany to Seal Knockout Spot
Ecuador produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, defeating Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium to secure qualification as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
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Gonzalo Plata scored the decisive goal 13 minutes from time after Nilson Angulo had cancelled out Leroy Sane’s controversial second-minute opener for Germany.
The victory lifted Ecuador to four points, enough to clinch a place in the knockout stage despite finishing behind group winners Germany.
Germany had already guaranteed top spot in Group E after victories over Ivory Coast and Curacao, but the defeat raised fresh questions about their form heading into the Round of 32.
Ivory Coast Make History
Ivory Coast also advanced after Nicolas Pepe scored twice in a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curacao in Philadelphia.
The win secured the Elephants’ second place in Group E and a historic first-ever qualification for the World Cup knockout stage.
Curacao, the smallest nation by population ever to compete at a FIFA World Cup, bowed out of the tournament with one point after a spirited campaign.
Knockout Picture Takes Shape
Thursday’s Group E matches formed part of another packed day of World Cup action, with six fixtures scheduled across the tournament as the knockout bracket continued to take shape.
Elsewhere, the United States, who had already secured top spot in Group D, were looking to complete the group stage with victory over already-eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles.
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino was expected to rotate his squad, opting not to risk Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun, all of whom were one yellow card away from suspension.
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