Germany and Ecuador are level at 1-1 at half-time in their 2026 World Cup Group E decider at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday, with Leroy Sané’s second-minute opener cancelled out by Nilson Angulo’s long-range strike in the ninth minute.
Germany started at full intensity. Julian Nagelsmann’s side pressed high from the first whistle and created openings almost immediately, with Sané finishing inside two minutes to give them the ideal platform. Joshua Kimmich, operating from right back but regularly moving into midfield, helped Germany build quickly through the lines, while Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlović provided the engine in central areas.
Ecuador, needing a result to keep their knockout-round hopes alive, did not fold. They defended their shape and absorbed Germany’s early pressure before Angulo struck from distance in the ninth minute to bring them level. The goal gave Ecuador a foothold they used to grow into the match, dominating possession for long stretches and pressing Germany back with intensity on the wings.
Germany, missing Nathaniel Brown through a muscle injury and Nico Schlotterbeck through a ligament problem, had to adjust their defensive line. The backline held firm under Ecuador’s pressure and prevented the visitors from finding a second, but Germany’s own attacking rhythm became disjointed as Ecuador took control of the midfield.
Ecuador’s problem remained in front of goal. Enner Valencia, their all-time leading scorer, struggled throughout the half. He lost possession repeatedly, failed to link play effectively and did not test the Germany goalkeeper. Willian Pacho, Joel Ordóñez and Piero Hincapié, however, were composed at the back and denied Deniz Undav, Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala any clear sight of goal.
Germany recovered their shape in the closing stages of the half, pressing high again and creating openings with short combinations, but could not convert before the referee brought the first half to a close.
Germany need a win to confirm top spot in Group E. Ecuador require at least a draw to remain in contention for the Round of 32.
