LAGOS. Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Ecuador President Daniel Noboa has declared Friday a nationwide public holiday after the national team stunned Germany 2-1 to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement came shortly after Ecuador produced one of the biggest results in the tournament, defeating the four-time world champions at the New York/New Jersey Stadium to secure a place in the Round of 32.
In a post on X, Noboa praised the players and coaching staff for overcoming criticism to deliver a historic victory.
“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 encounter needing a victory after losing 1-0 to Ivory Coast and drawing 0-0 with Curaçao in their opening two matches.
READ ALSO: 35-Year-Old Heir Apparent Daniel Noboa Wins Ecuador Presidential Election
Germany made the perfect start when Leroy Sané opened the scoring in the second minute.
However, Ecuador responded quickly through Nilson Angulo, who levelled the score in the ninth minute.
Gonzalo Plata completed the comeback in the 77th minute, scoring the winner that sealed Ecuador’s place in the knockout stage.
The victory marked only the second time Ecuador have progressed beyond the World Cup group stage, matching their achievement at the 2006 tournament.
The result sparked celebrations across the South American nation, with President Noboa rewarding the historic qualification by declaring a nationwide public holiday.