Ecuador face Germany in a must-win World Cup 2026 fixture this week.
The South Americans came into this tournament as a dark horse to go very far based on their impressive performances in qualification, finishing above Brazil and conceding just five goals in 18 games.
However, a lack of firepower is threatening to cost Ecuador a place in the knockout phase as defeat to Ivory Coast and a goalless draw with Curacao means they best they can hope for is to qualify for the last-32 as one of the top ranked third-place teams.
Ahead of the final round of group stage fixtures, Ecuador are below Congo DR and Czechia in the third-place table by virtue of scoring fewer goals but should able to squeeze through on four points.
There is no such drama for Germany, on the other hand. Having failed to get past the group stage in 2018 and 2022, the four-time world champions have qualified as Group E winners with a game to spare.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Ecuador vs Germany is scheduled for a 9pm BST kick-off on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The match will take place at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
Where to watch Ecuador vs Germany for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One , with coverage starting at 8.30pm BST.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer the BBC website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer / ITVX app and their websites.
Ecuador vs Germany team news
It was not for the lack of trying that Ecuador failed to score against Curacao as they were thwarted by an inspired Eloy Room, who registered a tournament-high of 15 saves.
With no fresh injury or suspension concerns, Sebastian Beccacece has the option of sticking with the same team and hoping his side get some luck in front of goal, or ditch the back five formation in favour of a more attacking approach.
Julian Nagelsmann, meanwhile, has the luxury of being able to make wholesale changes in the knowledge that Germany are already guaranteed to finish top of Group E.
This could see the likes of Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala and Manuel Neuer rested, with Deniz Undav getting a start to continue his Golden Boot charge.
However, Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with an ankle injury sustained in the win over Ivory Coast.
Ecuador squad
Goalkeepers: Hernan Galindez, Moises Ramirez, Gonzalo Valle
Defenders: Piero Hincapie, Willian Pacho, Pervis Estupinan, Felix Torres, Joel Ordonez, Jackson Porozo, Angelo Preciado
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Alan Franco, Kendry Paez, Pedro Vite, Jordy Alcivar, Denil Castillo, Yaimar Medina
Forwards: Enner Valencia, Kevin Rodriguez, Jordy Caicedo, Nilson Angulo, Anthony Valencia, Jeremy Arevalo.
Germany squad
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel
Defenders: Joshua Kimmich, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum, Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton, Antonio Rudiger, Nathaniel Brown, Malick Thiaw
Midfielders: Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Assan Ouedraogo, Angelo Stiller, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane, Felix Nmecha, Nadiem Amiri, Pascal Gross
Forwards: Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav, Jamie Leweling, Nick Woltemade, Maximilian Beier
Ecuador vs Germany prediction
Even in wins over Curacao and, particularly, Ivory Coast, there were cause for concerns for Germany as they looked extremely vulnerable on the counter-attack. That was with their strongest team, so heavy rotation should provide Ecuador with some hope.
The problem is, can Ecuador finally score at this World Cup? We think they will, only issue is we can’t see them scoring more than one to get the win they need.
Draw, 1-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Ecuador wins: 0
Germany wins: 2
Draws: 0
Ecuador vs Germany match odds
Ecuador to win: 5/2
Germany to win: 8/11
Draw: 5/2
Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change).
