Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared Friday a nationwide public holiday following the country's stunning 2-1 victory over Germany, which secured Ecuador's place in the knockout stage of the 2026 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The announcement came shortly after Ecuador recorded one of the biggest wins in its football history at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, advancing beyond the World Cup group stage for only the second time.

In a post on X, Noboa commended the players and coaching staff for overcoming criticism and difficult moments to deliver a memorable 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 decisive Group E fixture needing all three points after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast and playing out a goalless draw against Curaçao in their opening two matches.

Germany made the perfect start when Leroy Sané found the net in the second minute. However, Ecuador responded quickly through Nilson Angulo, who equalised in the ninth minute.

The South Americans completed the comeback in the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata scored the decisive goal, sealing a famous victory and booking Ecuador's place in the round of 16.

The achievement matches Ecuador's best-ever World Cup performance, having previously reached the knockout stage at the 2006 tournament.