Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 to reach the Round of 32 of the World Cup. The South Americans needed a victory to progress into the knockout stages.
They went into the match having lost to the Ivory Coast and drawn 0-0 with Curacao. Despite not even scoring a goal before the match, they have overcome Julian Nagelsmann’s side in dramatic fashion.
The Ecuadorians conceded early to a controversial goal from Leroy Sane but were level when Nilson Angulo levelled in the ninth minute. An end-to-end encounter concluded with the South Americans winning 2-1 after Gonzalo Plata got the golden touch.
While they were in dreamland, it was a nightmare day for Manuel Neuer. Alan Shearer felt he went down too clumsily for their first goal and the Bayern Munich legend was also at fault for their second.
As Neuer feels like a dark cloud is over him, lightning may be about to cause even more chaos at the World Cup. The build-up to the tournament was frequently dominated by the threat of inclement weather, particularly thunderstorms, delaying fixtures.
A storm in the Kansas City area may cause chaos in the game between the Netherlands and Tunisia. A local fan zone in the area has already been closed because of the lightning threat.
New UpdatesView PostView PostView PostView PostView PostToday23:13 BST
Up next is the final matches of Group F. Here is the picture so far!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday23:03 BST
Ecuador’s triumph has taken them into the round of 32.
As it stands, albeit it’s still early days, the South Americans will face England in the knockout stages.
Patrick Austen-HardyToday22:58 BST
Ecuador have done it! They’ve overcome the 2014 World Cup winners and booked their place in the round of 32.
For Germany, who were already through, the result has no bearing on their tournament so far.
However, the result is a tournament extender for Ecuador. It’s also a fresh heartbreak for Scotland, who tumble below the South Americans in the third-placed table.
Patrick Austen-HardyToday22:51 BST
Seven minutes of added time have been announced!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday22:49 BST
Alan Shearer has blasted Manuel Neuer’s efforts to keep out Ecuador’s second goal. The German legend was also criticised for his late reaction to the South American’s first half goal.
Gonzalo Plata got ahead of him at the corner when he poked an instinctive volley into the roof of the net from close range. As the Ecuadorians celebrated, Shearer criticised the Bayern Munich shot-stopper.
He said: “He’s been a brilliant goalkeeper over the years, I feel harsh criticising him but he’s looked really edgy today Neur. Keeper has had a nightmare.”
Ecuador score against Germany(Image: AFP or licensors)
This is a horrific result for Scotland.
A win for Ecuador would take them up to four points, which would be enough for them to overtake Steve Clarke’s side!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday22:38 BST
Ecuador have taken the lead against Germany! What a moment this could be for the South Americans.
Plata is the one with the goalscoring touch after a set piece was flicked into his path!
Can they hold on?
Gonzalo Plata sent the Ecuador fans into a frenzy(Image: 2026 FIFA)
Leroy Sane had the goal at his mercy but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. This contest is becoming a basketball match!
Rodriguez for Ecuador came so close to scoring. His half volley is great but Tah is there to block it from close range!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday22:35 BST
Germany have nearly gifted Ecuador a goal. Manuel Neuer and Jonathan Tah run into each other and Gonzalo Plata nearly takes advantage.
Moises Caicedo then dragged an effort which fell into Plata’s path, but he cannot get a clean connection on his tap in.
Patrick Austen-HardyToday22:30 BST
It’s that time again – time to hydrate!
This has been a great game so far so no wonder the players need a breather!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday22:27 BST
Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear Neymar does not need any motivation to succeed in this World Cup. The Brazil superstar made his first appearance of the tournament when he came off the bench in their 3-0 victory over Scotland.
After the match, Ancelotti said Neymar came on because of his hard work in training. He said: “He got the chance to play because he deserved it, he worked hard to recover.
“I think that in this World Cup, given his qualities, he can help the team. He played for just a few minutes, but he played well.”
“Neymar doesn’t need any motivation to play, no player needs motivation to wear the Brazil shirt. He is 34-years-old and still has the same passion as a young boy.”
(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
The penalty has been overturned. The referee spotted a fould in the build-up.
Leroy Sane caught Pedro Vite with a late challenge in the build-up and the decision is overturned.
We are still 1-1!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday22:08 BST
Hang on a minute, VAR is checking!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday22:07 BST
We are back underway in New York and we immediately have a penalty. Kai Havertz was brought down by Joel Ordonez!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday22:01 BST
Patrick Austen-HardyToday21:52 BST
Fans attending the Netherlands’ clash against Tunisia are being urged to seek shelter. Thunder and lightning has been forecast in the area, which has already seen the fan park in the area be closed.
Now fans in the stadium are being ordered indoors. On X, the GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium page wrote: “Weather update.
“Fans at Kansas City Stadium are being instructed to move indoors and seek shelter in concourses or other covered areas, following guidance from stadium staff.”
Patrick Austen-HardyToday21:49 BST
That’s the end of the first half in New York. Do you think Ecuador can stun Germany and sneak into the round of 32?
Patrick Austen-HardyToday21:46 BST
By Joseph McBride at New York/New Jersey Stadium
Ecuador fans have made a huge effort to ensure the national team feels at home ahead of their Group E decider against Germany.Thousands of Ecuador fans were seen dancing at Times Square earlier today, and appear to have outnumbered Germany fans 70-30 at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Germany has already qualified as group winners, but everything is at stake for Ecuador.Ecuador must win to have a strong chance of reaching the knockout rounds, but there doesn’t seem to be too many nerves among the fans. Since the moment they filled this arena, they’ve been waving flags, sharing drinks, and embracing the occasion before a crucial 90 minutes.With Germany able to ease its foot off the gas, and Ecuador left with no choice but to hit the throttle, it should be a fascinating encounter here.
Patrick Austen-HardyToday21:39 BST
Alan Shearer does not believe Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke were positive enough to earn a place in England’s starting XI. Both started in the stalemate with Ghana and both struggled to get in behind the west Africans.
After watching their display, Shearer believes Thomas Tuchel must turn to Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka instead. In his column with the BBC, he said: “I didn’t think Anthony Gordon or Noni Madueke were positive enough against Ghana. By that I mean they didn’t attack their defender enough when we got the ball out to them out wide.
“Their crossing was really poor as well, and often it didn’t beat the first man. Our delivery from set-pieces was not great either, but in open play the service from the wingers was pretty much non-existent.
“That’s why I think Tuchel will change it up, and Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford have definitely done enough when they have come on in both games to get a chance to start.”
(Image: PA)
This is how Group E looks so far with current results!
Two points will not be enough for Ecuador!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday21:31 BST
The players are now sufficiently hydrated and the match is back underway!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday21:28 BST
It’s that time!
The stadium erupts in boos as the first hydration break begins!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday21:26 BST
Kai Havertz rose highest and directed a header towards goal, but cannot get enough power on it. Germany are beginning to dominate possession again after conceding the equaliser!
Patrick Austen-HardyToday21:11 BST
Well, where did this come from! Nilson Angulo has found the net from 25-yards to equalise for Ecuador and score their first goal of this World Cup.
They still need to win, but this will be a huge lift for the South Americans who have struggled throughout the competition.
(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
It looks set to be a long evening for Ecuador. Leroy Sane has found the net for Germany.
Florian Wirtz’s neat footwork ended with him finding Leroy Sane on the edge of the box, before the ex-Manchester City ace fired a shot into the bottom corner.
They now have an awful lot to do!
Sane found the net within less than five minutes(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
From John Cross in Kansas City
Declan Rice is ready to give England a major World Cup fitness boost
Arsenal midfielder Rice suffered a dead leg against Ghana but is confident of being cleared fit to face Panama on Saturday if required.
And Rice has also been using special compression socks at the tournament to help with his long-running lower back and hamstring issues.
England star Rice has been wearing the socks after games and on flights to help make sure he is available as the midfielder is desperate to play.
Rice was also wearing strapping on his left calf after the Ghana game – he got an injury after a clash with Prince Kwabena Adu – but it is understood the medics are confident that would not keep him out of the Panama game.
Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel did say after the Ghana game that he planned to rotate against Panama if they had topped the Group.
But Tuchel insisted that he would still “not be shy” to make changes against Panama which means giving players a rest.
That means there is a chance that Rice may still get a breather with Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo the obvious choice to come in.
But even if Rice gets a breather this time, his fitness is key for England because he is such an important player for Tuchel.
Tuchel said: “I am not shy to do some rotation now. Some players should be on the pitch but maybe it will be more moderate. Its not always fair if you just rotate your players in and say ‘okay lets perform.’ Let’s see.”
John CrossToday20:49 BST
BBC presenter Steve Crossman suffered a seizure live on air while covering the World Cup in Mexico.
The Radio 5 Live host opened up on his seizure on social media, writing: “So, I had a seizure whilst on air in Mexico not long after arriving at the World Cup.
“I stuck it out, inspired by my sister who never let her epilepsy stop her. “It’s been tough BUT I’ve been surrounded by amazing @5liveSport friends. (Yes this is another sponsorship plea).”
Steve opened up about his condition as part of a 5 Live Breakfast show(Image: BBC)
By Joseph McBride at New York/New Jersey StadiumEcuador fans have made a huge effort to ensure the national team feels at home ahead of their Group E decider against Germany
Thousands of Ecuador fans were seen dancing at Times Square earlier today, and appear to have outnumbered Germany fans 70-30 at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Germany has already qualified as group winners, but everything is at stake for Ecuador.
Ecuador must win to have a strong chance of reaching the knockout rounds, but there doesn’t seem to be too many nerves among the fans. Since the moment they filled this arena, they’ve been waving flags, sharing drinks, and embracing the occasion before a crucial 90 minutes.
With Germany able to ease its foot off the gas, and Ecuador left with no choice but to hit the throttle, it should be a fascinating encounter here.
An Ecuador fan before the game against Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup(Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
England fans have not had their spirits dampened by the 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston last time out. They have taken over New York City’s Times Square ahead od the game against Panama on Saturday.
The Three Lions faithful have been pictured in Times Square making the most of the Big Apple’s hospitality. Up to 25,000 fans are reportedly expected to be inside the New York, New Jersey stadium just across the New York border in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
You can read more on that HERE.
(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
A World Cup fanzone has been closed after thunder and lightning was forecast in the area. Inclement weather has been predicted to land in Kansas City this evening.
This could be a huge threat and disruption to the Netherlands’ final group match against Tunisia. Play will be halted if lightning strikes within eight miles of the stadium, even if the match is ongoing at the time.
The forecast has already resulted in a Kansas City fanzone being closed down. It could prove to be another day disrupted by the USA’s weather.