Ecuador declares holiday after World Cup win over Germany

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared Friday a national public holiday following the national football team's stunning 2-1 victory over Germany in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This historic win propelled Ecuador into the knockout stage, marking only the second time in the country's history that they have advanced beyond the group stage.

The match, held at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, saw Ecuador overcome the four-time world champions. President Noboa took to X to commend the players and coaching staff for their resilience. "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 match facing pressure after a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast and a 0-0 draw with Curaçao in their initial games. Germany took an early lead in the second minute with a goal from Leroy Sané. However, Nilson Angulo equalized for Ecuador in the ninth minute, and Gonzalo Plata scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute, securing the famous victory.

This achievement mirrors Ecuador's previous success in reaching the knockout stage during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The team's performance has brought immense joy and national pride, culminating in the declaration of a public holiday to celebrate this significant sporting milestone.

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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.