Ecuador and Germany face each other this Thursday, at 5pm (Brasília time), at the MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey, in the third and final round of Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ecuadorian team arrives with just 1 point and needs a victory to maintain their chances of qualifying, while the Germans have already secured the lead and advanced to the knockout stages.
The team led by Sebastián Beccacece is under pressure after the defeat to Ivory Coast and the goalless draw with Curaçao. The Argentine coach, in charge since 2024, is betting on a solid formation to try to repeat the good performance that led La Tri to qualify for the World Cup.
Possible lineups confirm clash of styles
Hernán Galíndez should remain in the Ecuadorian goal. The defense features Joel Ordóñez, Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié. In the middle, Moisés Caicedo is the main reference, alongside Alan Franco and Pedro Vite. In attack, Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata look for the goal that has not yet come in the competition, with John Yeboah and Alan Minda providing options on the sides.
On the German side, Julian Nagelsmann should promote rotation. Oliver Baumann or Manuel Neuer in goal, with Antonio Rüdiger, Malick Thiaw and David Raum in defense. Leon Goretzka and Angelo Stiller in the middle, while Deniz Undav, Nadiem Amiri and Jamie Leweling get chances in attack. Germany are coming off convincing victories, including 7-1 over Curaçao.
History and table show European favoritism
The two teams have met only twice in history, with Germany winning both: 3-0 in the 2006 World Cup and 4-2 in a 2013 friendly. The retrospect reinforces Germany’s superiority, which leads Group E with 6 points.
Currently, the table shows Germany with 6 points, Ivory Coast with 3, Ecuador with 1 and Curaçao with 1. An Ecuadorian triumph would still leave everything open depending on the other result of the bracket, but the mission is very tough against one of the favorites for the title.
What changes in practice for the selections
For Ecuador, the match represents the last real chance to advance. Beccacece needs intensity and taking advantage of set pieces, which is the team’s strong point. Germany, on the other hand, uses the game to give rhythm to less used players and maintain momentum towards the round of 16.
Where to watch live
The live broadcast is on Cazé TV, with full coverage also on ge.globo and FIFA+. The game promises excitement in the final stretch of the group stage.