President Daniel Noboa has declared Friday a nationwide public holiday after Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The declaration came shortly after Ecuador secured a historic victory over the four-time world champions at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, advancing beyond the group stage for only the second time in the country’s history.
In a post on X on Friday, Noboa praised the players and coaching crew for overcoming criticism to deliver the result.
“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 entered the Group E clash needing a victory after losing 1-0 to Ivory Coast and drawing 0-0 with Curaçao in their opening two matches.
Germany took the lead in the second minute through Leroy Sané, but Nilson Angulo equalised in the ninth minute to restore parity.
Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 77th minute, helping Ecuador seal a famous victory and book a place in the last 16.
The result marks only the second time Ecuador have progressed beyond the World Cup group stage, equalling their achievement at the 2006 tournament.