World Cup sets all-time attendance record, surpassing 1994 mark
NEW YORK: The 2026 World Cup on Thursday (Jun 26) became the best-attended in the tournament's history, surpassing the 1994 record of nearly 3.6 million spectators, FIFA said.
Ecuador Sport News
Ecuador fight back to shock Germany and reach World Cup knockout stage
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey: An increasingly desperate Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 in their final Group E game on Thursday (Jun 26) to drag their World Cup campaign out of the flames and qualify for a place in the last 32.
Ecuador edge Germany to squeeze into World Cup last 32
EAST RUTHERFORD, United States: Ecuador kept their World Cup campaign alive as Gonzalo Plata’s winner completed a memorable come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Germany to send them through to the last 32 on Thursday. Leroy Sane controversially fired Germany ahead less than two minutes into the Group E clash, but Ecuador hit back through a fine strike from Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo. Plata then prodded home from close range 13 minutes from time, sparking wild celebrations among a largely Ecuadorian crowd in New Jersey as the South Americans ensured they will advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Germany will travel to Foxborough for their last-32 tie against another third-placed finisher on Monday, in their first World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2014. Julian Nagelsmann made two injury-enforced changes with Antonio Rudiger replacing Nico Schlotterbeck after the Borussia Dortmund defender was ruled out of the World Cup with ankle ligament damage. David Raum came in for Nathaniel Brown at left-back, but Nagelsmann resisted the temptation to start Deniz Undav despite his heroics off the bench against Ivory Coast when he scored both goals in the 2-1 win. Germany, with top spot in the group already assured, took the lead in a manner that enraged an Ecuador side fighting to stay in the tournament after picking up just one point in their first two games. Sane swept in a first-time shot from Florian Wirtz’s lay-off in the area, but Ecuador were incensed that a foul was not given earlier in the move, when Aleksandar Pavlovic caught Pedro Vite in the head with a high boot. The decision to let the goal stand sparked a furious reaction from Ecuador, who levelled seven minutes later as Angulo
Ecuador shock Germany, seal spot in World Cup knockout stage - ESPN
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Gonzalo Plata poked the ball past Manuel Neuer in the 77th minute, and Ecuador advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup by rallying for a 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday.
Germany's Ruediger back in defence for injured Schlotterbeck against Ecuador
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, June 25 : Germany's Antonio Ruediger gets his first start of the tournament by coming in for injured centre back Nico Schlotterbeck against Ecuador in their final World Cup Group E match on Thursday. Joel Ordonez replaces Pervis Estupinan for Ecuador.
Ivory Coast make changes, Curacao keep same lineup
PHILADELPHIA, June 25 : Ivory Coast made four changes from the side that lost to Germany for Thursday's World Cup game against Curacao, who named the same team who took a point off Ecuador at the weekend.
Arsenal permanently sign Hincapie after season on loan from Leverkusen
June 25 : Premier League champions Arsenal said on Thursday they have taken up the option to permanently sign defender Piero Hincapie, who joined on loan from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen last season.
How to Watch Curacao vs. Ivory Coast: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time
Curacao and Ivory Coast meet in their 2026 FIFA World Cup final group stage match on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET from Philadelphia Stadium.