Ecuador booked its place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stages on Thursday with a stunning 2-1 victory over Germany, while Paraguay’s 0-0 draw against Australia left the Albirroja waiting on results elsewhere to determine its fate.

La Tri‘s chances of advancing appeared slim after an opening defeat to Ivory Coast and a draw against Curaçao left the team needing what many viewed as a near-impossible result against Germany. However, with the Germans already assured of top spot in the group, Ecuador sensed an opportunity.

The dream looked short-lived when forward Leroy Sané put Germany ahead just two minutes into the match. Ecuador responded quickly, with winger Nilson Angulo equalizing before the 10-minute mark and setting up a tense........

© Buenos Aires Herald