Ecuador stun Germany as World Cup group stage ends in high drama
Six tense matches closed out the 2026 World Cup group stage overnight between Thursday and Friday, delivering a major upset, a historic result for Ivory Coast, and a late collapse by the host nation. The games determined who advanced to the round of 32, with several teams securing their place in the knockout phase.
The biggest shock came in Ecuador's 2-1 win over Germany. Germany struck first through Leroy Sane in the 2nd minute, but Ecuador equalized in the 7th when Nilson Angulo punished a German defensive mistake with a brilliant goal. Gonzalo Plata completed the comeback in the 77th minute, beating Manuel Neuer and sending Ecuador through from third place. Germany still advanced in first place despite the loss.
Ivory Coast beat Curacao 2-0 to make history, while Tunisia defeated the Netherlands 3-1. Japan and Sweden drew 1-1, and Australia and Paraguay finished 0-0. In the final game, the United States lost 3-2 to Turkey in a dramatic finish.
The roundup was published by Sport 5 on June 26, 2026, at 11:13. The article said the night featured a host team that fell deep into stoppage time, a European giant surprised, and teams securing small but significant history on the way to the round of 32.
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