Ecuador Shock Germany as Netherlands, Japan and Ivory Coast Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

Posted : 26 June 2026

Ecuador produced one of the biggest surprises of the FIFA World Cup group stage by defeating Germany 2-1 to secure a place in the last 32, while the Netherlands, Japan and Ivory Coast also booked their spots in the knockout rounds as the tournament bracket continued to take shape.

The dramatic victory at MetLife Stadium saw Ecuador finish with four points in Group E, enough to qualify as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. Germany had already guaranteed top spot in the group before kick-off, but their unbeaten run came to an end after a determined display from the South Americans.

Germany made the perfect start when Leroy Sané found the net just two minutes into the match with a goal that sparked controversy. Ecuador refused to be discouraged and fought back through Nilson Angulo before Gonzalo Plata struck the decisive goal 13 minutes from time, finishing from close range to seal a famous victory.

Ecuador head coach Sebastián Beccacece dedicated the achievement to the nation's supporters, saying the result belonged to the people and praising his players for delivering a moment of joy for the country. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, meanwhile, criticised his side's tactical approach after taking an early lead, describing their positioning as "tactical suicide" and admitting Ecuador deserved the result because of their intensity and determination.

Ivory Coast also celebrated a historic milestone by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Nicolas Pépé scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Curaçao in Philadelphia, securing second place in Group E. Curaçao, the smallest nation by population ever to compete at the FIFA World Cup, exited the tournament with a single point after finishing bottom of the standings.

In Group D, the United States suffered their first defeat of the tournament despite having already qualified as group winners. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino rested several first-team players, making nine changes to his starting lineup, but his side were beaten 3-2 by Turkey after Kaan Ayhan struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner in Los Angeles.

Australia also secured progression from Group D after playing out a goalless draw with Paraguay in Santa Clara. The result was enough for the Socceroos to finish second in the group, while Paraguay remained in contention to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

The Netherlands completed an unbeaten group campaign by defeating Tunisia 3-1 to finish top of Group F. An own goal from Ellyes Skhiri gave the Dutch an early advantage before Brian Brobbey and Jan Paul van Hecke added further goals in another confident attacking performance. Ronald Koeman's side will now face Morocco in the last 32, while Tunisia exited the tournament without earning a point.

Japan also progressed after drawing 1-1 with Sweden. Daizen Maeda put the Japanese ahead shortly after halftime with a well-worked team move, but Anthony Elanga equalised from long range to ensure Sweden claimed a valuable point. The draw left Japan in second place behind the Netherlands, setting up a challenging knockout clash against Group C winners Brazil.

Sweden's result also proved enough to send them through as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. Head coach Graham Potter praised his players after the match, describing their performance as outstanding and suggesting they were the stronger side during the second half despite settling for a draw.

Ecuador Shock Germany as Netherlands, Japan and Ivory Coast Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

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