President Daniel Noboa announced Friday a statewide public holiday after Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 to advance to the elimination stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The proclamation came immediately after Ecuador’s historic victory over the four-time world champions at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, which propelled the country beyond the group stage for only the second time in history.
In a post on X on Friday, Noboa commended the players and coaching staff for overcoming criticism to achieve success.
“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 is a holiday! Long live Ecuador,” he wrote.
Ecuador came into the Group E battle needing a win after losing 1-0 to Ivory Coast and drawing 0-0 with Curaçao in their first two games.
Germany took the lead in the second minute thanks to Leroy Sané, but Nilson Angulo equalized in the ninth minute to restore parity.
Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 77th minute, enabling Ecuador to achieve a memorable victory and book a place in the last 16.
Ecuador has advanced beyond the World Cup group stage for only the second time, matching their achievement in 2006.
