World Cup 2026 Group E final standings: Results and teams qualified for the round of 32
Germany topped the group, while Ivory Coast made history and Ecuador clinched a place in the World Cup round of 32.
The Ivory Coast made history on Thursday by qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time in their fourth World Cup. Ecuador also secured a place in the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Germany had already ensured qualification as Group E winners with a game to spare.
What happened on Group E matchday three?
There were jubilant scenes in New Jersey as Ecuador recovered after conceding an early goal to Germany’s Leroy Sané to defeat the four-time world champions. The lively Nilson Angula quickly equalized for the South Americans, who sealed their spot in the last 32 thanks to Gonzalo Plata’s close-range strike with 13 minutes to play.
Things were rather more straightforward for the Ivory Coast, who defeated Curaçao 2-0 in Philadelphia to take second place in the group. Nicolas Pépé scored both goals, one in each half.
ABSOLUTE SCENES AT NY/NJ STADIUM 🇪🇨
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2026
Ecuador and the sea of yellow celebrate advancing to the Round of 32! pic.twitter.com/s7WyeCyq0Z
Who will Germany face in the round of 32?
Group winners Germany will take on a third-placed team in Boston on June 29, although their opponent has yet to be confirmed. It will be either Scotland, Paraguay or Sweden, depending on which eight third-placed teams advance.
Who will the Ivory Coast play next?
Things are slightly more straightforward for the Ivory Coast, who will face the Group I runner-up in Dallas on June 30.
France and Norway meet Friday to decide top spot in the group, meaning the Africans will face whichever team finishes second.
Ivory Coast have reached the World Cup knockout stages for the 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 ever 🇨🇮👏
— LiveScore (@livescore) June 25, 2026
Another historic milestone for Les Éléphants 🙌 pic.twitter.com/RZBfMZ3CZ6
Who could Ecuador play in the knockout stage?
Ecuador’s opponent in the round of 32 will also depend on which other teams qualify as the best third-placed teams.
Several possibilities remain: Mexico in Mexico City on June 30, the Group L winner (England, Ghana or Croatia) in Atlanta on July 1, Switzerland in Vancouver on July 2, or the Group K winner (Colombia or Portugal) in Kansas City on July 3.
Group E: results
Matchday one: June 14
Matchday two: June 20
Matchday three: June 25
Group E: final standings
| Team | G | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 4 | +6 | 6 |
| Ivory Coast | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 6 |
| Ecuador | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Curaçao | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 1 |
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