Germany topped Group E with six points, advancing directly to the Round of 32 despite their 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the final group match.
Ivory Coast secured second place with an identical six-point tally, marking the first time the West African nation has progressed beyond the group stage in World Cup history.
Ecuador's four-point total was sufficient for third place and qualification via the expanded tournament format, which allows eight third-place teams to advance—a structural change reflecting the 48-team expansion.
Curacao finished bottom of the group with one point, ending their maiden World Cup campaign without further progress.