“Ivory Coast reached the knockout stage of the men’s World Cup for the first time — with France or Norway lying in wait in the last 32. It is also the first time they have won multiple matches in a single edition of the World Cup. An early goal for Germany against Ecuador in the other Group E game briefly gave Curacao hope of securing a third-place spot, but Nicolas Pepe’s first goal for Ivory Coast in Philadelphia was quickly followed by an Ecuador equaliser at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to dampen the dreams of the team ranked 82nd in the world. In truth, Ivory Coast barely had to find more than second or third gear in this comfortable 2-0 win, while Ecuador pulled off a shock 2-1 win against Germany to seal third place in the group. …”
NYT/ATH
YouTube: Curaçao vs Ivory Coast Extended Highlights 🌎🏆 2026 FIFA World Cup

Ecuador deliver another stunning World Cup shock. Are Germany too flaky to win the title?
“Another day, another shock. Ecuador delivered the greatest day in their World Cup history with a memorable 2-1 win over Germany to confirm their place in the last 32 as one of the best third-placed sides. According to The Athletic’s projections, they are most likely to face co-hosts Mexico in the last 32, and possibly England in the last 16. After falling behind in controversial circumstances through Leroy Sane in the second minute, Germany looked well set to make it three wins out of three in the group stage but the impressive Nilson Angulo quickly equalised and Gonzalo Plata scored a 77th-minute winner. …”
NYT/ATH
YouTube:
Ecuador vs Germany Extended Highlights 🌎🏆 2026 FIFA World Cup