Plenty thought Germany vs Ecuador would be the decider for Group E’s top spot.
But while Die Mannschaft have won their first two games – the second with a nervy, last-minute winner – La Tri have flattered to deceive and haven’t lived up to their billing as potential dark horses.
Can Ecuador spring a shock in the final group match, or will Germany secure nine points from nine?
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Germany vs Ecuador odds from BOYLE SPORTS
- Germany WIN – 4/5
- Draw – 11/4
- Ecuador WIN – 14/5
Germany vs Ecuador predictions
Germany have been impressive in North America so far, but their very clear defensive weaknesses have been evident to everyone.
A woeful lapse of concentration against Curacao, followed by a first-half Ivory Coast strike that the Germans had to overturn last time out, mean that the last clean sheet that 40-year-old Manuel Neuer kept at a World Cup came in the 2014 final: and it’s a defence that’s also set to be tested by an injury to Nico Schlotterbeck.
Ecuador have the opposite problem: they’re resolute at the back, with the likes of Piero Hincapie and Willian Pacho, though their lack of anything remotely creative or prolific in front of goal has hamstrung them this summer, to a 1-0 loss to the Ivorians and a 0-0 against Curacao, who they were banking on snatching three points from.
Nagelsmann will probably use this as an opportunity to rotate: Deniz Undav’s form surely deserves a start, Jamie Leweling and Angelo Stiller will be angling for chances to stake a claim in the side, and Max Beier may offer something as a wide forward that the Germans haven’t really used so far, with much of their width coming from Nathanel Brown at full-back.
Ecuador, meanwhile, will have to go for broke to have any chance of turning the tide on their dismal World Cup: will Chelsea loanee Kendry Paez get the opportunity to show what he can do?
Germany vs Ecuador score prediction
With Germans already qualified, perhaps looking to rest players and an eye on the last-32, the sensible money is on this one being incredibly low-scoring.
Rather like the clash with the Ivory Coast, however, this one will likely open up as Ecuador abandon defensive solidity to throw the kitchen sink at a German side who could rip through them in transition.
- Prediction: Germany 1-0 Ecuador
How to watch Germany vs Ecuador
You can watch Germany vs Ecuador in Group E of World Cup 2026 for free. All the information you need is in our how to watch guide.
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK, FOX in the United States and SBS in Australia.
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