Ecuador look to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup alive against Germany in Group E.
Victory would see Ecuador finish second and advance to the knockout stages if Curacao beat Ivory Coast but don’t better their goal difference.
Germany have already secured their knockout spot as Group E winners.
Team News
Kendry Paez is suspended for Ecuador after he received his second yellow card during their 0-0 draw against Curacao.
Germany will be without defender, Nico Schlotterbeck after he suffered an ankle injury during their 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast, which has seen him ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
When is Kick-Off?
Ecuador face Germany at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA, at 4pm EDT (9pm BST) on Thursday 25 June, live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Ecuador lost 3-0 in their only previous World Cup meeting against Germany in June 2006.
- Germany are yet to lose to Ecuador in all competitions (W2).
- Eight of Ecuador’s 39 shots in their first two group matches were produced by Enner Valencia, of which he converted five of those shots onto target without scoring
- Germany are yet to have a player receive a booking at this tournament.
Prediction
In need of victory to stand any chance at advancing to the knockout stages as another draw realistically won’t be enough, Ecuador will need to be far more clinical because this is do-or-die now for their campaign after a frustrating display against Curacao.
Germany meanwhile are safely through and manager – Julian Nagelsmann can afford to rest key players, which I expect him to do because there is little to gain other than continued momentum so might as well freshen the starting line-up and give some fringe players a run out.
That however could give Ecuador extra belief at getting the needed win but if Deniz Undav starts given his form, I can see Germany getting a routine win given their better end product.
Prediction: Ecuador 1-2 Germany
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