/ Sep 30, 2026
/ Sep 30, 2026

Ecuador celebrates historic World Cup upset with nationwide holiday

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President Daniel Noboa has declared Friday a nationwide public holiday after Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

The announcement came shortly after Ecuador recorded one of the biggest victories in its football history, defeating the four-time world champions at New York/New Jersey Stadium to advance beyond the World Cup group stage for only the second time.

In a post on X, Noboa praised the players and coaching staff for overcoming criticism to deliver the memorable result.

Ecuador players celebrate after defeating Germany 2-1 in their Group E match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a place in the knockout stage.
Ecuador players celebrate after defeating Germany 2-1 in their Group E match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a place in the knockout stage.

He thanked the squad and coach for persevering through difficult moments, saying they had brought immense joy to the nation before announcing the public holiday.

Ecuador entered the decisive Group E fixture needing all three points after opening their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast and a goalless draw against Curaçao.

Germany made the perfect start when Leroy Sané scored in the second minute. However, Nilson Angulo equalised seven minutes later to level the contest.

The winning goal came in the 77th minute through Gonzalo Plata, sealing a famous victory and Ecuador’s place in the last 16.

The achievement matches Ecuador’s best-ever World Cup performance, having also progressed beyond the group stage at the 2006 tournament.

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