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A World Cup sleeper awoke just in time to keep its dream alive.
After failing to score in its first two World Cup matches, then surrendering a goal two minutes into Thursday’s match against Group E winner Germany, Ecuador pulled off a stunning comeback to upset the European power and advance to the knockout stage for the first time in 20 years, following a 2-1 win at a sold-out MetLife Stadium.
Ecuador arrived in the United States as a trendy dark horse, riding a 19-game unbeaten streak that dated back to Sept. 2024, featuring wins over Argentina and Colombia, as well as draws with Brazil, the Netherlands, the U.S., Mexico and Uruguay.
Germany forward Kai Havertz (7) heads the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group E match between Germany and Ecuador held at MetLife Stadium on Thursday, June 25, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Stefan Jeremiah for New York PostBut in a matchup against the team that led all nations with nine goals and a plus-seven goal differential, Ecuador seemed to be handed a death sentence after allowing an early goal to Leroy Sane.
The defensive-minded squad — which averaged less than one goal per match in 18 qualifying contests — needed two goals after failing to score in a tournament-opening loss to Ivory Coast, then becoming the first team in World Cup history to be held without a goal despite putting at least 15 shots on goal in a scoreless draw against Curacao.
Forced out of their patented shell, Ecuador quickly responded, making the stadium shake when 23-year-old Nilson Angulo delivered an equalizer from outside the box in the ninth minute past multiple defenders and a diving Manuel Neuer, who was making his World Cup record 22nd appearance in net.
The Ecuadorians controlled much of the action afterward but were unable to break through, heading toward a draw and another early World Cup exit.
Then, Gonzalo Plata became a national hero, volleying home the winning goal in the 77th minute.
Ecuador (1-1-1) will not learn its next opponent until group play is completed.
Germany midfielder Jamal Musiala (10) and Ecuador defender Willian Pacho (6) battle for the ball. Stefan Jeremiah for New York PostGermany (2-1-0) — which previously earned a blowout win over Curacao and a thrilling comeback against Ivory Coast — will return to the knockout stage for the first time since winning the World Cup in 2014, playing Monday in Boston in the Round of 32.
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