Beccacece leaps into the stands as Ecuador stun Germany to reach first World Cup knockouts since 2006

Ecuador ended a 19-year wait to reach the World Cup knockout stage, beating Germany 2-1 at New York New Jersey Stadium on Thursday to advance from Group E — sending coach Sebastián Beccacece sprinting into the stands in celebration.

Germany, already assured of first place in the group, struck inside two minutes when Leroy Sané beat Manuel Neuer’s replacement in the Ecuador net — but it was Neuer himself in goal, and the early lead visibly stunned Beccacece on the touchline. The Argentina-born coach reviewed the play in disbelief before his frustration gave way to something far more joyful.

Nilson Angulo levelled in the ninth minute, lashing a powerful effort from outside the box past Neuer to register Ecuador’s first goal of the 2026 World Cup. Beccacece leapt from his seat, pumping his fist repeatedly toward the massed Ecuador support inside the stadium.

The defining moment arrived in the 77th minute. Forward Gonzalo Plata poked the ball past Neuer to give Ecuador a lead they would not relinquish, and Beccacece responded by sprinting the length of his technical area before launching himself into the stands to celebrate with supporters.

When the final whistle confirmed the result, the Ecuador head coach raised both arms, bounced in celebration and embraced his backroom staff. The victory means Ecuador advance to the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time since Germany 2006 — a full 19 years ago — completing one of the more emotionally charged afternoons of the tournament so far.