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Ecuador secured a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after earning a 2-1 victory over Germany in their final Group E match at MetLife Stadium on Thursday.

The South American side entered the contest knowing that only a win would keep their qualification hopes alive. However, Germany took the lead just two minutes into the match when Leroy Sané finished from close range. Ecuador appealed for a foul in the buildup involving Aleksandar Pavlovic and Pedro Vite, but the goal stood after a VAR review.

Ecuador responded quickly. Nilson Angulo scored in the ninth minute to register the team's first goal of the tournament and level the match. The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata converted from close range after substitute Kevin Rodríguez flicked on a corner, completing the comeback.

The result sparked celebrations among Ecuador's players and supporters, with the team successfully protecting its lead during the closing stages to secure a crucial victory.

Head coach Sebastián Beccacece praised the unity and commitment shown by his squad and supporters.

"Today we've beaten the record for the third time -- three full stadiums full of Ecuadorian people," Beccacece said.

"We need to enjoy this journey as well. Sometimes you have to struggle, but the important thing is to remain united."

The coach also expressed gratitude to Ecuador's supporters and reflected on the significance of the achievement.

"I am feeling very grateful to the entire people of Ecuador," he said. "But we are talking about an entire country that is now celebrating. So let them enjoy, have a beer and celebrate with their family."

Plata, who scored the winning goal, acknowledged the challenges Ecuador faced during the group stage.

"Life is different now. We suffered a lot," Plata said. "We suffered too much in the first two matches."

"We would have liked to secure qualification much earlier, but now we're going forward hungrier, knowing we have to give it our all."

The victory marked Ecuador's first win against a UEFA opponent since 2013 and ensured their progression as one of the tournament's top third-placed teams. The achievement also sends Ecuador into the World Cup knockout rounds for only the second time in their history, and their first appearance beyond the group stage since reaching the Round of 16 in 2006.

Germany had already secured qualification before the match, but the defeat ended their 11-match winning streak. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich credited Ecuador's determination after the game.

"The difference was today that the opponent wanted to win more than us, and you could really feel it, especially in the second half," Kimmich said.

Ecuador now advances to the Round of 32 with renewed momentum after producing one of the most important victories of its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.