Ecuador face must-win clash against group winners Germany to survive at World Cup 2026

Ecuador’s World Cup 2026 campaign hangs by a thread as they face Group E winners Germany at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with a 9:00pm ET kick-off on Tuesday. The Germans have already secured top spot in the group, but Ecuador need a result to stay alive in the tournament.

The BBC’s studio panel for the match is anchored by presenter Kelly Cates, who returns to duty after covering Scotland’s defeat to Brazil on Wednesday. She is joined by former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, striker Daniel Sturridge, and former Brazil midfielder Lucas Leiva.

Hart, who earned 75 caps for England across a nine-year international career and appeared at four major tournaments, has established himself as a regular voice in international football coverage. Sturridge, a frequent pundit on European club football, played alongside Hart 46 times for both England and Manchester City, giving the panel a well-worn club and international chemistry.

Leiva, who won 24 senior caps for Brazil, adds a South American perspective to proceedings — and a personal connection to Sturridge, with the pair sharing the pitch on 61 occasions during their time together at Liverpool.

While Ecuador’s fate is in their own hands, they will also be keeping a close eye on the simultaneous Group E fixture in Philadelphia, where the other two sides in the group meet. Germany, with nothing to play for in terms of standings, could yet prove a difficult opponent for an Ecuadorian side that needs a positive result to advance.