Several key matches were played on Thursday in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Ecuador pulled off a major upset by defeating Germany 2-1. With this victory, Ecuador advanced to the Round of 32. Côte d’Ivoire also comfortably advanced to the knockout rounds.
Ecuador Beat Germany FIFA World Cup 2026: The biggest upset of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage occurred on Thursday, when Ecuador defeated four-time champions Germany 2-1 to secure a place in the Round of 32. This is only the second time in World Cup history that Ecuador has successfully advanced past the group stage. Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire also comfortably advanced to the knockout stages.
Germany took the lead in the second minute of the match thanks to a goal from Leroy Sane, but Ecuador staged a remarkable comeback to turn the match around. Nilson Angulo scored his first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute to level the score at 1-1. In the second half, substitute Kevin Rodriguez delivered a brilliant flick-on, which Gonzalo Plata converted to give Ecuador a 2-1 lead. Ecuador then continued to pressure the German defense and ultimately secured victory.
Ecuador defeated a European team after 13 years
With this victory, Ecuador defeated a European team for the first time in 13 years. Previously, they had defeated Portugal in an international friendly in 2013. Meanwhile, Germany suffered their first defeat against a South American team in the World Cup group stage. This result marked the biggest upset of the tournament.
Ivory Coast easily secured a place in the knockouts
Ivory Coast secured a berth in the Round of 32 with a 2-0 win over Curaçao. Nicolas Pépé played a key role in the team’s victory, scoring both goals. Pépé became only the second player to score two goals for his team in a World Cup. 19-year-old Yann Diomande also made history by becoming the first African teenager to provide an assist in a World Cup since 1994.