Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared Friday a nationwide public holiday to celebrate the country’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany, a result that secured Ecuador a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement came shortly after Ecuador defeated the four-time world champions at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, earning qualification for the Round of 16 for only the second time in the nation’s World Cup history.
In a post on his X account, Noboa commended the players and coaching staff for overcoming criticism and delivering one of Ecuador’s biggest football achievements.
“Thanks to the players and the coach who, despite the criticism, the insults, and the tough times they went through, managed to bounce back and bring this immense joy to the entire country. Tomorrow, holiday! Long live Ecuador,” the president wrote.
Ecuador entered the decisive Group E encounter under pressure after opening their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast before playing out a goalless draw against Curaçao.
Germany made a dream start to the match when Leroy Sané found the back of the net in just the second minute, putting the Europeans ahead early.
However, Ecuador responded almost immediately, with Nilson Angulo levelling the score in the ninth minute to swing momentum back in his team’s favour.
The South Americans completed the comeback in the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata scored the winning goal, sealing a memorable victory and sending Ecuador through to the knockout stage.
The achievement equals Ecuador’s best-ever performance at the FIFA World Cup, matching the feat they first accomplished at the 2006 tournament.
The victory sparked celebrations across Ecuador, with President Noboa’s holiday declaration adding to the jubilant mood as the country looks ahead to its Round of 16 clash.