President Daniel Noboa has declared Friday a nationwide public holiday following Ecuador’s dramatic 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, qualifying for the Round of 16 for only the second time in the country’s World Cup history.

In a message posted on X, Noboa commended the players and coaching staff for persevering through criticism and difficult moments to deliver a memorable 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 went into the decisive Group E fixture under pressure after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast and playing out a goalless draw against Curaçao in their first two matches.

Germany made a dream start when Leroy Sané found the net in the second minute, but Ecuador responded swiftly as Nilson Angulo levelled the score seven minutes later.

Gonzalo Plata netted the decisive goal in the 77th minute to complete the comeback and send Ecuador into the last 16.

The achievement equals Ecuador’s best-ever World Cup performance, matching the feat they first accomplished at the 2006 tournament.