President Daniel Noboa has announced a nationwide public holiday on Friday following Ecuador’s remarkable 2-1 victory over Germany, a result that secured the South American nation a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decision was made shortly after Ecuador produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, defeating the four-time world champions and reaching the Round of 16 for only the second time in their history.
Reacting to the achievement in a post on X, Noboa commended the players and coaching staff for their resilience despite facing intense scrutiny and criticism.
“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,” he wrote.
Ecuador went into the decisive Group E encounter under pressure, having suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast before being held to a goalless draw by Curaçao in their first two matches.
Germany made the perfect start when Leroy Sané found the net just two minutes into the contest. However, Ecuador responded swiftly, with Nilson Angulo levelling the score in the ninth minute.
The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata struck the winning goal, sealing a memorable triumph and sending Ecuador through to the last 16.
The qualification matches the country’s best-ever World Cup performance, having previously advanced beyond the group stage only once, at the 2006 tournament.
