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Germany have already secured their place as Group E winners, while Ecuador are fighting to avoid an early exit from the tournament.

The upcoming encounter between Germany and Ecuador in New Jersey brings together two teams facing entirely different circumstances.

Julian Nagelsmann’s squad can approach their final Group E fixture with ease, having already guaranteed their spot in the World Cup 2026 knockout rounds as group leaders following victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast.

By contrast, Ecuador have managed only one point from their opening two matches and are yet to score a goal – making this a do-or-die contest. Here are the officials assigned to oversee the match.

American referee Tori Penso will take charge of the Ecuador vs Germany match, assisted by Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt.

The 39-year-old recently officiated Czechia’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in Group A, during which she awarded a late penalty against Czech midfielder Pavel Sulc for a handball offence.

Penso made history by officiating that fixture in Atlanta, becoming only the second woman ever to referee a men’s World Cup match, following in the footsteps of Stephanie Frappart in 2022.

Originally from Florida, Penso had earlier broken ground in September 2020 when she became the fourth woman to officiate a Major League Soccer (MLS) match.

Penso’s international résumé is impressive. She officiated the 2023 Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England, which the Lionesses lost 1-0.

Her experience also includes refereeing duties at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and at the Club World Cup the following summer.

According to Transfermarkt statistics, Penso has refereed 13 matches since the beginning of the 2025/26 season, issuing 49 yellow cards and two red cards during that period.

Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh will serve as the fourth official for the Group E tie, while Isaac Trevis from New Zealand will act as the reserve assistant referee.

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann could use this fixture to rotate his squad, resting key players ahead of the knockout phase.

Meanwhile, Ecuador must rediscover their scoring touch, as a draw is unlikely to be sufficient for them to advance, even as one of the best third-placed teams.