Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao are all bidding to reach the knockout stages of World Cup 2026 as Group E reaches its climax. Germany, the four-time champions, are through to the knockout stages for the first time since their 2014 victory, having beaten Ivory Coast late on to seal their place as group winners.
It means it’s all to play for between the other three teams. Germany will play Ecuador in New Jersey, with the South Americans needing to win to advance. The same scenario applies to tiny Curacao, who are bidding to become the smallest country to reach the World Cup knockout stages after earning a famous point against Ecuador.
With Ivory Coast needing to avoid defeat to guarantee their place in the next round, one interested nation will be Scotland: after a humbling 3-0 loss last night to Brazil, the Tartan Army require a combination of results to go their way. In Group E, Scotland desperately need just one of Germany and Ivory Coast to avoid defeat.
Follow the conclusion to Group E with our live blog below:
Read MoreWhat do Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group E?
Third-place rankings: How they stand in race to reach World Cup knockout stages
The nine World Cup results Scotland need to qualify for knockout stages
Germany v Ecuador LIVE: Latest World Cup updates
- Germany face Ecuador in climax to Group E at World Cup | Live on BBC
- Germany already through as group winners, but Ecuador must win to advance
- 9' GOAL! Angulo equalises with thunderous strike from outside the box [ECU 1-1 GER]
- 7' GOAL! Pepe sweeps home from Diomande cutback [CUR 0-1 IVC]
- 2' GOAL! Sane fires home and VAR controversially doesn't check for high foot [ECU 0-1 GER]
- Curacao also need to win to progress as they face Ivory Coast
Curacao 0-0 Ivory Coast
21:22 , Alex Pattle21 mins: Although they’re already trailing, Curacao have been in this game.
The match is ebbing and flowing, with Ivory Coast looking fairly dangerous and Curacao then breaking with intent.
The crowd is well up for this, too.
Germany 1-1 Ecuador
21:21 , Will Castle19 mins: Hincapie fumes at the referee after Kimmich goes down in his own box, the Arsenal man having the ball in a dangerous position on the byline.
You can understand why - replays show it’s Kimmich who’s got a handful of the Ecuadorian’s shirt before tumbling over.
Referee Tori Penso isn’t a popular figure within the Ecuador faithful at the moment.
Germany 1-1 Ecuador
21:19 , Will Castle17 mins: This game has slightly calmed down after such a frantic start.
Both teams are trying to build out from the back rather than try and catch the other one out on the break.
Germany 1-1 Ecuador
21:16 , Will Castle14 mins: Caught your breath yet?
Germany are looking to respond quickly as they try and set Wirtz in on goal with a ball across. Ecuador goalkeeper Galindez comes out but Franco takes it out of his hands, successfully might we add.
They then come again through Musiala who fires an effort wide of the far post.
'Lifeline for Ecuador'
21:12 , Jack Rathborn at the New York-New Jersey StadiumThe latest from Jack Rathborn, who’s in place at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.
That is breathtaking from Angulo, he ruthlessly steps into space to collect the loose ball and then arrows a strike through the legs of Pavlovic and low past Neuer.
A lifeline and this New Jersey crowd has erupted, it's a sea of yellow and the noise is piercing the ears of those in attendance. A home game and the South Americans are back level.
GOAL! Germany 1-1 Ecuador (Angulo, 9')
21:10 , Will CastleWhat a strike, and what a start to the Group E finales!
Nilson Angulo lets fly from distance and drills into the bottom corner, flying through the legs of Pavlovic which might explain why Neuer was so slow to react.
Ecuador’s World Cup is anything but over!
GOAL! Curacao 0-1 Ivory Coast (Pepe, 7')
21:09 , Alex PattleIvory Coast take the lead!
They’d started well, putting Curacao under real pressure, and it pays off.
Diomande with some great footwork in the box initially, out to the left, but he loses the ball... only for a poor defensive mix-up to allow him possession again.
He cuts it back for Pepe, who sweeps it home from close range!
Germany 1-0 Ecuador
21:07 , Will Castle5 mins: Question marks might surround the giving of the goal, but Germany have started by far the better team.
Wirtz did well to break in behind in the opening moments which led to the throw that Germany scored from.
GOAL STANDS! Germany 1-0 Ecuador
21:05 , Will CastleWell then, no VAR intervention after all. Ecuador are fuming, and understandably so if we’re honest.
GOAL! Germany 1-0 Ecuador (Sane, 2')
21:02 , Will CastleA NIGHTMARE start for Ecuador!
Florian Wirtz tees up Leroy Sane who slots home to break the deadlock inside two minutes - but there might be early VAR intervention.
Pavlovic’s boot is high and he catches his man off the throw...
KICK-OFF! Curacao 0-0 Ivory Coast
21:02 , Alex PattleAnd we’re also underway in Philadelphia.
KICK-OFF! Germany 0-0 Ecuador
21:01 , Will CastleAnd we’re off in New Jersey(-NewYork)!
Kick-off next
21:00 , Will CastleBig stakes across the group, for all those other than Germany.
Ecuador, whose impressive defensive record had them pegged as the World Cup dark horses, need a win to stay alive.
Here come the teams
20:54 , Will CastleWe’re in on kick-off in New Jersey... and the players are making their way out to the centre circle.
Time for the national anthems!
Group E set for tense climax
20:50 , Will CastleRight folks, we’re just 10 minutes away from kick-off as both Germany vs Ecuador and Curacao vs Ivory Coast get underway simultaneously.
While Germany are confirmed as Group E leaders, there are still a lot of moving parts and all could change by the final whistle.
Here is what the Group E table currently looks like:
Final Group E preparations
20:45 , Will Castle
Dick Advocaat full of confidence as Curacao eye more World Cup history
20:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWorld Cup debutants Curacao enter their final Group E match against Ivory Coast with heightened confidence after a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, manager Dick Advocaat has suggested.
"I think that the draw was the right outcome, although they had more opportunities," said `the 78-year-old Dutch coach. "But it does mean that we can make life difficult for any opponent." Advocaat's side remain in the hunt to progress, though they will probably need a shock victory on Thursday.
Eloy Room’s 15 saves against Ecuador were the most ever in a World Cup match that did not feature extra time, but there were moments of real threat from Curacao on the counterattack last Saturday.
"I said before that this probably is going to be the first match where we are the favourites," Advocaat joked. "No, it's going to be a tough match. We are playing three great teams, but it's also wonderful for Curacao to play these kinds of opponents, these kinds of countries.
"And we showed against Ecuador what we're able to do. That we don't only defend, but we also found the right moments to attack, and we'll do the same tomorrow."
Why are World Cup games kicking off at the same time?
20:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleIn this age of television revenue maximisation, there might be a push to create distinct windows for every World Cup fixture. The legacy of the “Disgrace of Gijon” hangs over the tournament, though, with Fifa understandably keen to avoid a repeat or handing an advantage to any nation playing with full knowledge of what they need to do in the group.
Why are World Cup games kicking off at the same time?
World Cup 2026 power rankings
20:25 , Will CastleGroup E has delivered some of the biggest shocks of this tournament so far: from Curacao’s point against Ecuador to Germany’s late winner over Ivory Coast.
There will surely be more in store tonight, but how does each team stack up compared to the rest after two games? Read The Independent’s World Cup 2026 power rankings below:
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge after round two
Who is Eloy Room? How Curacao goalkeeper made history with 15-save performance
20:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleEloy Room has become an unexpected star of this World Cup. Jamie Braidwood profiles a goalkeeper making the most of his opportunity.
Who is Eloy Room? How Curacao goalkeeper made history with 15-save performance
Jurgen Klopp ends interview after being asked about German icon’s controversial ‘African football’ remarks
20:15 , Will CastleFormer Liverpool manager and World Cup pundit Jürgen Klopp abruptly ended an interview in New York after being questioned about controversial remarks by former Germany player Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Schweinsteiger, commenting for German broadcaster ARD before Germany played Ivory Coast last weekend, had described the African team’s style as "a bit African football, a bit unorthodox, a bit wild, a bit perhaps also not so conditioned by tactics. We have to be prepared for it to be unpredictable."
Klopp, who is working for broadcaster Magenta, appeared visibly taken aback when asked about Schweinsteiger’s comments by Deutsche Welle in a huddle with journalists on Wednesday.
He expressed his reluctance to delve into the sensitive topic, stating: "Now you want to carry on the subject. No, no, I have no chance. I have no chance to answer this question.
“Everybody likes it so you bring me in this situation. It’s not my job that everybody likes it, but this is a serious subject, and I don’t even know what is appropriate to say. For African people it’s one thing, for other people it’s another thing, and I’m not here."
Klopp ends interview after being asked about German icon’s ‘African football’ remarks
...and in Philadelphia
20:10 , Will Castle
Player arrivals in East Rutherford...
20:05 , Will Castle
Ecuador boss hopes to win over fans in final group game
20:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleEcuador boss Sebastian Beccacece has faced heavy criticism from back home, with the Argentine manager not particular popular among fans of the nation he’s steering at this tournament. He’s hoping to win them over with an upset win today.
"I am very sorry I didn't make it to the heart of the Ecuadorean fan," Beccacece said, via an interpreter. "For the fans who don't know me, I think I didn't quite click with them. "There is something they don't like with me and that is fine... I need to accept it when things are felt and perceived.
“We are facing a world football powerhouse, but of course maybe we can make the impossible possible.”
'A strong line-up for Germany'
19:56 , Chris Wilson at the New York New Jersey StadiumThe latest from Chris Wilson, who’s in place at the New York New Jersey Stadium:
A strong line-up from Germany despite having already secured top spot in the group. That’s potentially good news for Scotland, who need the first in a number of favours this evening.
Ecuador would likely qualify if they can manage a win here, though it’s probably a big ask for a side who failed to find the net against Curacao.
Getting in the mood
19:56 , Will Castle
Ecuador confirmed line-up
19:50 , Will CastleJoel Ordonez returns to the line-up after missing the draw to Curacao, with Pervis Estupinan dropped for Nilson Angulo on the left.
Enner Valencia, at 36, continues to lead the line for a team brimming with young defensive talent.
Ecuador XI: Galindez; Franco, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie; Yeboah, Vite, Caicedo, Angulo; Plata, Valencia.
Germany confirmed line-up
19:45 , Will CastleDavid Raum and Antonio Rudiger come in for Germany who opt not to rest the bulk of their players despite already being confirmed as group winners.
Both of those replacements come as a result of injuries. Raum replaces Nathaniel Brown who complained of muscle tightness, while Rudiger is in for Nico Schlotterbeck have the Dortmund man was ruled out for the tournament.
Germany XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Raum; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz.
Für Deutschland! 🇩🇪 Das ist unsere Startelf gegen Ecuador 👇️#fifaworldcup #dfbteam 📸 DFB pic.twitter.com/SFAygc9jTw
— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) June 25, 2026
Curacao vs Ivory Coast confirmed line-ups
19:43 , Alex PattleCuracao XI: Room; Brenet, Gaari, Obispo, Floranus, Fonville; Chong, Livano Comenencia, L Bacuna, J Bacuna; Locadia.
Ivory Coast XI: Y Fofana; Doue, O Diomande, Kossonou, Operi; Amad, Kessie, Sangare, Y Diomande; Pepe, Bonny.
Team news on the way...
19:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, it appears Antonio Rudiger will keep his place, but who will Julian Nagelsmann name to join him? It could be a different-looking German team. We’ll have all of the XIs for you reasonably shortly...
Antonio Rudiger ready to step up after Nico Schlotterbeck injury blow
19:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleGermany's Antonio Rudidger will be ready for more playing time as coach Julian Nagelsmann plans a few tweaks to the starting lineup today.
Germany have already qualified, but will face a test of their defence in New Jersey with Ecuador desperate to salvage their winless campaign and centre back Nico Schlotterbeck out of the tournament with an ankle injury.
Real Madrid's Rudiger could do the trick, after stepping in for the injured Schlotterbeck during their 2-1 win over Ivory Coast last week and with his knee no longer in pain after undergoing surgery a year ago.
"His knee doesn't bother him right now, he feels very good and I think he did a great job when he came into the match last time and he will do the same today," said Nagelsmann. "We hope that Antonio is being rewarded with more match time."
This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama
19:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is going to be a hectic few days as groups are decided – but should the conclusion to this first phase have been even better? Miguel Delaney explains how a Fifa change has lessened the tension somewhat.
This baffling Fifa decision could ruin the World Cup’s famous group stage drama
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who will win the World Cup?
19:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleWorld Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge as England stall in round two
19:00 , Will CastleThe clutch of contenders is getting ever more intriguing. Where do Germany land in our power rankings after the second round?
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge after round two
The nine World Cup results Scotland need to qualify for knockout stages
18:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd here are the nine fixtures that must go Scotland’s way if they are to reach the last 32.
The nine World Cup results Scotland need to qualify for knockout stages
Why Scotland will be watching on eagerly
18:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleOnly the top eight third-placed finishers will progress from the group stage, leaving Scotland facing an anxious wait after defeat to Brazil yesterday.
Here is how the ladder looks:
World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures, results and group tables
18:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleStruggling to keep track of all the results, fixtures and permutations? Our one-stop-shop has you covered:
World Cup 2026 knockout fixtures, results and group tables
What do Curacao need to qualify?
18:20 , Jamie BraidwoodA victory against Ivory Coast would be enough for Curacao to qualify, regardless of results elsewhere and despite their goal difference (which took a huge hit by that 7-1 defeat to Germany). Even if Ecuador also win and beat Germany, Curacao would likely get through in third place by having four points. A draw would not be good enough.
What do Ivory Coast need to qualify?
18:10 , Jamie BraidwoodDespite a late 2-1 defeat to Germany last time out, Ivory Coast are still in a good position: if they avoid defeat to Curacao, they will finish as group runners-up, regardless of Ecuador’s result against Germany.
If Ivory Coast lose to Curacao, they would be leapfrogged by the tiny island nation. If Ecuador then beat Germany, they would be out. But if Ecuador fail to win, Ivory Coast could still go through as one of the best third-placed sides. They would be left on three points, but with a negative goal difference.
What do Ecuador need to qualify?
18:00 , Jamie BraidwoodA win against Germany is a must for Ecuador. The good news is Germany are already through as group winners, so may make wholesale changes. A draw, and therefore finishing on two points, would not be good enough to go through in third place. Even if Ivory Coast also win, Ecuador would likely get through in third place with a win by having four points.
How Group E looks
17:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere are the last two fixtures in Group E.
25 June, 9pm: Ecuador v Germany – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
25 June, 9pm: Curacao v Ivory Coast – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
And how the table looks:
Germany vs Ecuador LIVE
11:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleWorld Cup Group E is set to be settled as Ecuador, Curacao and the Ivory Coast battle to join Germany in the knockout rounds. As with all final-round fixtures, the two games in the group will kick off simultaneously – it could be a hectic and heated evening.
The action gets underway at 9pm BST.
