Gonzalo Plata's 77th-minute winner capped an extraordinary comeback as Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium on June 25, sealing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32. The South American side fell behind within just two minutes to Leroy Sané's opener, but Nilson Angulo leveled in the ninth minute before Plata's late heroics completed the stunning turnaround in front of 80,663 fans in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The match turned on a pivotal VAR decision in the second half: officials overturned a German penalty after spotting a foul by Sané in the buildup, denying the four-time world champions a chance to put the game beyond reach. Germany — one of the pre-tournament favorites — won Group E on overall points despite the defeat, while Ecuador advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams across all groups with four points.
Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece dedicated the result to his country after the final whistle: "This is for the people. The players have given them this qualification." Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann was sharply self-critical, condemning his side's defensive shape after scoring as "tactical suicide" and blaming too much "freestyle" play for allowing the comeback.