Ecuador qualified for the Round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup, after their victory over Germany (2-1) this Thursday evening, in the third round of Group 5 competitions, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
With this win, Ecuador raised their points to 4, placing third in Group 5, while Germany's points froze at 6, keeping them at the top, ahead due to the direct match result (2-1) against runner-up Ivory Coast, who defeated Curacao (2-0) at the same time.
By qualifying as one of the best teams in third place, Ecuador is now close to facing England, the leader of Group 12, in the Round of 32, if the "Three Lions" maintain their lead in the group.
Leroy Sane needed only 1 minute and 49 seconds to score the goal for the German machines, becoming the second fastest goal for Germany in their World Cup history, behind Ernst Lehner's goal scored in the first minute against Austria in the 1934 edition.
However, Ecuador quickly equalized through their player Nelson Angulo, with a rocket shot in the 9th minute.
In the second half, the Latin team played with greater offensive boldness, making several attempts on the goal of veteran Manuel Neuer, before finally succeeding in scoring in the 77th minute through Gonzalo Plata, who snatched the ball before the Bayern Munich goalkeeper.
