Germany progressed as group winners despite suffering a surprise defeat, Ivory Coast booked second place with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curaçao, while Ecuador celebrated one of the biggest results in their World Cup history by claiming a famous 2-1 win that earned them qualification as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

Ecuador Shock Germany to Keep World Cup Dream Alive

Ecuador produced a superb performance to defeat Germany 2-1 and extend their stay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing third in Group E.

The South Americans entered the match needing a positive result against the four-time world champions, who had already secured qualification for the knockout rounds. However, Ecuador's task became even harder after just two minutes when Leroy Sane fired Germany ahead following a move involving Aleksandar Pavlovic and Florian Wirtz. Ecuador felt they had every reason to complain, believing Pavlovic had caught Pedro Vite with a high boot during the build-up.

Rather than allowing the early setback to affect them, Sebastian Beccacece's side responded impressively. Nilson Angulo punished uncertainty in the German defence before producing an excellent finish beyond Manuel Neuer to level the score. The goal also ensured Ecuador avoided finishing the tournament without scoring, while Angulo became the fourth Sunderland player to find the net at this year's finals.

Germany thought they had a chance to regain the lead early in the second half when referee Mary Victoria Penso awarded a penalty after Joel Ordonez challenged Kai Havertz. Following a VAR review, the decision was overturned after Sane was penalised for committing a foul on Vite earlier in the move.

With qualification hanging in the balance, Ecuador continued to attack. Enner Valencia tested Neuer with a powerful long-range effort before making way after setting a new national record with his eighth World Cup appearance.

The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute. Pedro Vite's corner was flicked on by Kevin Rodriguez, allowing Nicolas Pepe to react quickest and hook the ball past Neuer to spark wild celebrations.

Ecuador held firm during the closing stages to claim a famous victory that lifted them to the top of the rankings among the best third-placed teams. Germany's nine-match unbeaten run came to an end, but Julian Nagelsmann's side still advanced as Group E winners.

Pepe Double Fires Ivory Coast into Knockout Stage

Ivory Coast secured second place in Group E after Nicolas Pepe scored twice in a convincing 2-0 victory over Curacao in Philadelphia.

The Elephants made several changes to their starting line-up, and one of those decisions paid off almost immediately. Pepe opened the scoring after just seven minutes, meeting Yan Diomande's cut-back with a composed finish to score his first World Cup goal.

Curacao attempted to respond through Jurien Gaari, whose effort drifted narrowly wide, while Ivory Coast missed an opportunity to double their advantage when Franck Kessie and Amad Diallo got in each other's way inside the penalty area.

Emerse Fae's side remained firmly in control throughout the first half, restricting Curacao to speculative efforts from distance. Leandro Bacuna came closest before the break, driving into the area before firing narrowly past the post.

The Caribbean side knew they needed at least two goals after the restart but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Kessié almost increased Ivory Coast's lead when his deflected shot flew just wide, while Sherel Floranus sent an effort over the crossbar at the other end.

Pepe settled the contest in the 64th minute with a moment of real quality. After collecting Ibrahim Sangare's pass, he curled an excellent finish into the top corner to complete his brace and effectively end Curacao's hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.

Tahith Chong forced Yahia Fofana into a late save, but Curacao lacked the cutting edge required to mount a comeback and bowed out of the competition despite an encouraging debut World Cup campaign.

Ivory Coast celebrated a second victory of the tournament, sealing a place in the Round of 32 for the first time in their history. They will now meet the runners-up from Group I, with either France or Norway awaiting them in Dallas.

Stellenbosch did South Africa proud, says head coach Steve Barker