Gonzalo Plata’s late goal sends Ecuador into World Cup round of 32

Gonzalo Plata struck in the 77th minute to send Ecuador past Germany 2-1 and into the World Cup round of 32 at New York/New Jersey Stadium. The Group E match on June 25, 2026, ended with Ecuador celebrating a comeback that had been required after a draw with Curaçao left Sebastian Beccacece’s side needing a victory to advance.

Germany had taken the lead almost immediately, with Leroy Sané scoring in the 2nd minute, but Ecuador answered quickly. Nilson Angulo equalized in the 9th minute and kept Ecuador alive in a match that turned into a test of nerve, shape and finish. The winning move came from a corner, when Kevin Rodríguez headed the ball down in the area and Plata finished the sequence to beat Manuel Neuer and make it 2-1.

The result carried more than just the weight of three points. Germany arrived as a four-time world champion and as a team still under scrutiny after consecutive group-stage exits in its last two World Cups following the 2014 title run. Ecuador, meanwhile, leaned on a squad that included Moisés Caicedo, Willian Pacho and Enner Valencia, and Beccacece’s team played with the urgency of a side that knew it had to seize the moment. By holding its shape after the early setback and finishing the decisive chance in the 77th minute, Ecuador did more than survive Group E. It pushed a traditional giant aside and moved into the next round with a result that reflected the tournament’s shifting balance of power.