Plata’s golden touch against Germany sends Ecuador into World Cup last 32
Ecuador secured a spot in the World Cup last 32 after a 1-0 victory against Germany, thanks to a late goal by Gonzalo Plata. Despite an early lead by Germany, Ecuador's persistence allowed them to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Why it matters
This match represents a significant upset in the 2026 World Cup, demonstrating the competitive nature of the expanded tournament format.
Gonzalo Plata’s second-half strike sparked wild Ecuador celebrations. Photograph: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen Gonzalo Plata’s second-half strike sparked wild Ecuador celebrations. Photograph: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images World Cup 2026 Plata’s golden touch against Germany sends Ecuador into World Cup last 32 Raphaël Jucobin at New York New Jersey Stadium Thu 25 Jun 2026 18.28 EDT Last modified on Fri 26 Jun 2026 00.30 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google Sí, se puede – yes, we can – was the chant that rang out from the 55,000 Ecuador fans as their team’s final group match kicked off. Despite a flat start to their World Cup campaign, there was a genuine belief that an upset against a full-strength Germany was possible. They had no other choice: having been shut out by Eloy Room’s heroics for Curaçao , Sebastián Beccacece’s side had to win to progress.
The article provides a standard sports match report without editorializing.
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