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On 25 June 2026, Ecuador head coach Sebastian Beccacece provided one of the most heartwarming moments of the World Cup so far, scaling the stands to celebrate with his family after his team secured a dramatic place in the round of 32.

Ecuador pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over four-time World Cup winners Germany, advancing from Group E as one of the eight best third-placed teams — a remarkable turnaround that few had predicted.

Beccacece’s side were unfortunate to concede first, with Leroy Sane putting Germany ahead following a controversial passage of play that included a high boot from Aleksandar Pavlovic in the build-up. However, Nilson Angulo soon equalised for Ecuador, and Gonzalo Plata completed the comeback with a decisive second-half strike.

Despite the defeat, Germany still topped the group after earlier wins against Curacao and Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast finished second and also progressed, while Ecuador, buoyed by their shock win, joined them in the next stage alongside an elated Beccacece.

In emotional scenes at the stadium in New Jersey, the Argentine manager climbed into the front rows of the stands, embracing his family and sharing a kiss with his wife as Ecuador’s supporters celebrated the historic achievement.

The 45-year-old coach’s celebration came just a day after he had publicly stated that he would resign from his position if Ecuador failed to advance beyond the group stage.

Ecuador’s campaign had started on a sour note with a narrow defeat to Ivory Coast, who snatched victory through a 90th-minute goal from Amad Diallo. That loss was followed by a frustrating 0-0 draw against Curacao, considered one of the tournament’s weakest sides, in what many viewed as a missed opportunity to gain valuable points.

However, the remarkable triumph over Germany has now propelled Ecuador into the round of 32, where they could face Thomas Tuchel’s England — provided England secure the top spot in Group L.