Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has declared Friday a nationwide public holiday following Ecuador’s stunning 2-1 victory over Germany, a result that secured the South American nation’s place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The announcement came shortly after Ecuador defeated the four-time world champions at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, advancing beyond the World Cup group stage for only the second time in the country’s history.

In a message posted on his X account on Friday, President Noboa congratulated the players and coaching staff for overcoming criticism and difficult moments to achieve the historic feat.

“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,” the president wrote.

Ecuador entered the decisive Group E encounter under pressure, having lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast in their opening match before settling for a goalless draw against Curaçao in their second outing. The South Americans needed nothing short of victory against Germany to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Germany made a dream start, taking the lead just two minutes into the contest through Leroy Sané, raising expectations of a routine victory for the European side.

However, Ecuador responded almost immediately as Nilson Angulo found the equaliser in the ninth minute, restoring parity and giving his side renewed confidence.

The match remained evenly contested until the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata scored the decisive goal, completing Ecuador’s remarkable comeback and sealing one of the biggest victories in the nation’s football history.

The win ensured Ecuador progressed to the Round of 32, matching the country’s best-ever World Cup performance achieved at the 2006 tournament.

The result also sparked widespread celebrations across Ecuador, with fans taking to the streets to celebrate the landmark achievement as the country prepares for its knockout-stage campaign.

Ecuador will now shift its attention to the next round, aiming to extend its historic run in the tournament and surpass its previous World Cup record.