Germany vs Ecuador opened with a forced change. Nico Schlotterbeck was out after ligament damage, and Germany had to reshuffle its XI before the World Cup 2026 match at 4pm EDT, 9pm BST and 6am AEST.
Antonio Rüdiger came in for Schlotterbeck, while David Raum replaced Nathaniel Brown after an adductor problem was enough to keep him out of the start. Deniz Undav stayed on the bench again.
Joel Ordóñez and Nilson Angulo
Ecuador made two changes to its starting XI after the goalless draw with Curaçao. Joel Ordóñez moved into the defence and Nilson Angulo joined the attack, while Pervis Estupiñán and Jordy Alcívar dropped to the bench.
That left both sides adjusting before kickoff, but for different reasons. Germany's changes were enforced by injury, while Ecuador used the final lineup choice to reset after a draw that left the group picture tight.
Germany and Ecuador stakes
Germany had already won the group. Ecuador still needed a win to progress, and the margin mattered because two points would not be enough if Ecuador finished third.
So the lineup news carried immediate weight. Germany had to protect a back line without Schlotterbeck, and Ecuador had to chase a result with Ordóñez and Angulo added to the starting XI. The first whistle arrived with both teams already making their most important decisions of the day.
