Ecuador booked its place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stages on Thursday with a stunning 2-1 victory over Germany, while Paraguay’s 0-0 draw against Australia left the Albirroja waiting on results elsewhere to determine its fate.

La Tri‘s chances of advancing appeared slim after an opening defeat to Ivory Coast and a draw against Curaçao left the team needing what many viewed as a near-impossible result against Germany. However, with the Germans already assured of top spot in the group, Ecuador sensed an opportunity.

The dream looked short-lived when forward Leroy Sané put Germany ahead just two minutes into the match. Ecuador responded quickly, with winger Nilson Angulo equalizing before the 10-minute mark and setting up a tense contest.

The South Americans appeared to catch a break at the start of the second half when a penalty awarded to Germany was overturned because of an earlier foul in the buildup. Then, after several missed chances, forward Gonzalo Plata struck in the 77th minute to seal a famous victory and Ecuador’s place in the round of 32.

“The players gave a great gift to the fans. I hope they celebrate and enjoy it,” Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece said after the match.

“Since I arrived, I’ve felt like a better coach, and I owe that to Ecuador. I’m grateful to the country and its people, and I’m thrilled they can enjoy this win,” said the Argentine manager.

The celebrations extended beyond the pitch. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared Friday a national holiday and announced the measure on social media following the team’s victory.

Paraguay await other results

Paraguay also remains in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.

The side coached by Argentine Gustavo Alfaro entered its final group-stage match against Australia knowing a victory would secure second place in Group D. Instead, the teams played out a scoreless draw, leaving Paraguay dependent on results in the remaining groups to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

Although Paraguay finished level with Ecuador on points, its inferior goal difference leaves it vulnerable in the rankings.

The outlook remains favorable, however. Paraguay would only miss out if Belgium, Iran, Cabo Verde, Uruguay and DR Congo all lose their matches, while Algeria and Austria draw 1-1 or higher.

Any other combination of results would send the Albirroja through to the round of 32.

Uruguay face win-or-go-home clash

That leaves Uruguay as the final South American side still fighting to secure a place in the next round.

La Celeste face Spain on Friday at 9 p.m. Argentina time in a winner-takes-all encounter.

A victory would guarantee qualification regardless of other results. A draw would leave Uruguay needing Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia to draw with fewer goals than its own match against Spain.

A defeat, meanwhile, would mean elimination regardless of results elsewhere.

Cover image: Selección Ecuatoriana Twitter