BBC teams up with Sidemen for live World Cup watchalong as Germany face Ecuador

The BBC has joined forces with YouTube collective the Sidemen to broadcast a live watchalong of the World Cup 2026 Group E finale between Germany and Ecuador, kicking off at 9pm on Thursday, June 25 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The collaboration marks a notable first for the BBC, which will stream the Sidemen watchalong event live on the BBC Sport website and through the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport apps. The watchalong will run concurrently on the Sidemen’s own YouTube channel.

For Germany, manager Julian Nagelsmann heads into the match with defensive concerns. Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a severe medial ligament ankle injury, while left-back Nathaniel Brown remains doubtful due to a muscular problem.

Ecuador, by contrast, arrive in full health. Coach Sebastian Beccacece has no injury worries or suspensions following his side’s 0-0 draw against Curaçao, meaning captain Enner Valencia and midfield anchor Moisés Caicedo are both available to start.

The head-to-head record between the two nations favours Germany, who have won two of their previous competitive meetings, with the other ending in a draw. A victory for the four-time world champions would confirm their place at the top of Group E, while Ecuador will be fighting to secure their own progression.

Audio commentary of the match will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and through the BBC Sounds app.