How things stand in Group E
As things stand, only Ivory Coast will be joining group winners Germany into the World Cup knockouts.
Ecuador are threatening in New Jersey and are deservedly level after that contentious early Leroy Sane opener, but a draw will simply not be enough for them to qualify as one of the eight-best third-placed teams. They need another goal, at least.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast are doing the business against Curacao, putting them comfortably second in the group on six points. But the tiny Caribbean island are only down by one and will still be dreaming of a fairytale ending to their World Cup campaign. They need to turn that game on its head to qualify.
This could all flip at the drop of a hat.
Will Castle25 June 2026 22:00
Ecuador bite back against Germany in must-win Group E finale
(Reuters)(Getty)(Reuters)
Will Castle25 June 2026 21:53
HALF-TIME! Curacao 0-1 Ivory Coast
So, Nicolas Pepe’s early goal is the difference, with Ivory Coast currently on track for a last-32 clash with France or Norway.
Curacao, meanwhile, are trending to finish bottom of the group and exit this tournament.
(Reuters)
Alex Pattle25 June 2026 21:53
HALF-TIME! Germany 1-1 Ecuador
And that’s all she wrote for the first half!
After a frantic start that saw Germany take the lead controversially before Ecuador equalised superbly, it’s all square at the break.
(Reuters)
Will Castle25 June 2026 21:50
Germany 1-1 Ecuador
45+3 mins: Really clever ball from Caicedo as he dinks it towards Valencia, but Tah leans on him and is able to clear.
It’s not long until Ecuador come again – Angulo whips in a dangerous low ball aiming for Valencia again, but again it’s Tah who gets in the way.
The Bayern defender is doing all the Germany defending.
Will Castle25 June 2026 21:49
Germany 1-1 Ecuador
45+1 mins: Four minutes added on in first-half stoppages, as confirmed by the overzealous stadium PA in East Rutherford.
Will Castle25 June 2026 21:46
Curacao 0-1 Ivory Coast
44 mins: Curacao’s best chance so far sees Leandro Bacuna dart through the Ivory Coast’s box before rifling a low shot justttt wide of the near post.
Alex Pattle25 June 2026 21:45
Germany 1-1 Ecuador
44 mins: Two yellow cards in quick succession!
Ecuador’s Hincapie is the first to enter the book for a tug on the shirt, before Germany’s Pavlovic joins him after bundling his man over on the break.
Will Castle25 June 2026 21:44
‘Ecuador intensity has been admirable’
The latest from Jack Rathborn, who’s in place at the New York-New Jersey Stadium:
The intensity of this Ecuador has been admirable, with Sebastian Beccacece experiencing a rather hostile reception after their nightmare start. But Ecuador are playing for him and the intensity is creating panic with each breakdown.
Nilson Angulo is lively and Enner Valencia ever willing to storm into space. This game entirely suits Ecuador, who know a win all but takes them through to a second-ever knockout stage appearance.
Moises Caicedo’s role is fascinating, too, orchestrating the play between Willian Pacho and Joel Ordonez, while also breaking free to pinch the ball at times. Just then after 33 minutes, Pavlovic felt he was safe, but Caicedo robbed him of possession to spark another furious counter-attack.
Jack Rathborn at the New York-New Jersey Stadium25 June 2026 21:43
Germany 1-1 Ecuador
41 mins: Clever run from Musiala down the left and he gets the pass, giving Germany an opening.
Havertz darts into the box looking to get into a position for a tap-in but Caicedo tracks him and intercepts when it’s released by Musiala.
Will Castle25 June 2026 21:42
