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Refs Spark Controversy During Germany vs. Ecuador Match Thursday
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- Refs Spark Controversy During Germany vs. Ecuador Match Thursday
Soccer fans legitimately want the refs from the Ecuador-Germany match banned for the rest of the World Cup.
During the second minute of this match, Leroy Sané gave Germany a quick 1-0 lead. Ecuador's entire team was furious with the officials because a foul was missed in the box right before Sané scored. Luckily for Ecuador manager Sebastián Beccacece, his players quickly got back into this match thanks to an equalizer from Nilson Angulo in the ninth minute.
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Unfortunately for Ecuador, another officiating controversy occurred in the second half.
Germany's Kai Havertz went down in the box after an awkward-looking challenge in the 46th minute. Lead referee Tori Penso awarded a penalty to Havertz, but VAR recommended a second look at the play.
June 25, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.; Ecuador's Moises Caicedo and Willian Pacho react after Referee Tori Penso awards a penalty to Germany before it was overturned after a VAR review. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
After further review, VAR determined that Sané committed a foul before Havertz got in the box and drew a foul. As a result, his penalty kick was wiped off the board.
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"The FIFA Refs in this game are trying to rob Ecuador and give this match to Germany on a platter," one fan declared.
"The refs in this Ecuador Germany game should quite frankly never be allowed anywhere near the sport again," another fan said.
High stakes for Ecuador.
Germany has already solidified its spot as the winners of Group E by winning its first two matches against Curaçao and Ivory Coast by a combined score of 9-2.
Ecuador, on the other hand, needs a win over Germany to keep its hopes of making the knockout stage alive.
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That being said, it's easy to understand why Ecuador's players and coaches are awfully tense this Thursday.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Jun 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
