Ecuador declares public holiday after shock World Cup win over Germany
Quick Read
“Thanks to the players and the coach who, despite the criticism, the insults and the difficult moments they went through, managed to recover and give this immense joy to the entire country. Tomorrow, a holiday!” Noboa wrote.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared a national holiday after the country’s football team stunned Germany 2-1 to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Noboa announced the decision on X after Ecuador sealed a dramatic victory in their final Group E match at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Thursday.
The president praised the players and coaching crew for fighting through criticism and difficult moments to give the country a major football moment.
“Thanks to the players and the coach who, despite the criticism, the insults and the difficult moments they went through, managed to recover and give this immense joy to the entire country. Tomorrow, a holiday!” Noboa wrote.
Ecuador entered the match under pressure after failing to win their first two group games.
The South American side had drawn with Curaçao before losing to Ivory Coast, leaving them needing victory against Germany to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
Their task became even harder after Germany took an early lead.
But Ecuador fought back strongly and completed a stunning comeback to win 2-1, triggering wild celebrations among their supporters inside the sold-out stadium.
The result sent Ecuador into the last 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Germany, despite the defeat, had already secured qualification as Group E winners.
Ivory Coast finished second in the group after beating Curaçao 2-0.
Ecuador’s qualification marks only the second time the country has reached the knockout phase of the World Cup.
Their first appearance in the Round of 16 came at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Thursday’s victory now stands as one of Ecuador’s most memorable World Cup results, not only because it came against a former world champion, but because it rescued a campaign that had looked close to collapse.
For Noboa, the win was big enough to stop the country for a day.
For Ecuador’s players, it was proof that one result can change everything.
Comments