Ecuador stun Germany with a 2-1 comeback, Gonzalo Plata the hero at MetLife

Ecuador produced a statement comeback to defeat Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, the colossus of the New York area holding 80,663 spectators, to close the third round of Group E at the 2026 World Cup. La Tri pulled off a major upset against one of the tournament favourites at this 48-team World Cup staged by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Germany struck first and very early. In the 2nd minute, Leroy Sané finished off a Florian Wirtz pass to put Julian Nagelsmann's side ahead, lined up in a 3-4-2-1 with Jamal Musiala and Wirtz himself behind Kai Havertz. The early goal looked set to put the Mannschaft in control.

Ecuador's response, however, was immediate. In the 9th minute, Nilson Angulo levelled from a Pedro Vite pass, and in the 77th Gonzalo Plata completed the turnaround after an assist from Kevin Rodríguez to spark joy among the South American fans. Sebastián Beccacece's team, set up in a 4-4-2 with Moisés Caicedo in midfield and Enner Valencia up front, defended the lead with character.

The match had intensity and edge, as the bookings showed: for Ecuador, Piero Hincapié (43'), Alan Franco (50') and Gonzalo Plata (89') were cautioned, while Germany's Aleksandar Pavlović (44') saw yellow. The Ecuadorian defence, with Pacho and Hincapié, withstood the late German pressure.

Despite the feat, Ecuador close Group E on four points in third place, awaiting the comparison between the best third-placed sides to seal their spot in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Germany, despite the slip, finish top on six points thanks to their superior goal difference, while Ivory Coast take the group's second ticket.