Sané's Early Goal Gives Germany 1-0 Lead Over Ecuador at 2026 World Cup Despite VAR Review

Leroy Sané scored in the second minute of Germany's 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E match against Ecuador on June 25, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York. The goal came in the opening stages as Sané finished a move in the penalty area to give Germany a 1-0 advantage. Ecuador immediately protested the goal, claiming that German midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic had committed a high challenge in the buildup to the play. With an Ecuadorian player falling to the ground during the sequence, calls for a foul were directed to the referee.

The incident was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. After examination, officials determined that no foul had been committed and allowed Sané's goal to stand. The decision meant Germany retained their early lead in a crucial Group E encounter. The match represented Ecuador's final group-stage fixture, with the South American side needing a victory to improve their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds from their current position in the standings.