Ecuador Declares National Holiday After Stunning 2-1 World Cup Win Over Germany
Ecuador will celebrate a national holiday today, June 26, after a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany sent the South Americans into the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
President Daniel Noboa announced the holiday shortly after La Tri secured qualification as one of the tournament’s eight best third‑placed teams.
The victory marks only the second time Ecuador has reached the World Cup knockout rounds, matching their feat in Germany 2006.
Sebastian Beccacece’s side had earned just one point from the first two matches and fell behind early when Germany scored inside two minutes, with Leroy Sané finishing a Florian Wirtz pass to put the Europeans ahead.
Ecuador replied quickly. Nilson Angulo leveled the score seven minutes later, calmly beating Manuel Neuer after Pablo Vite slipped him through on goal.
As the match approached its closing stages, Gonzalo Plata produced the decisive strike. His goal 13 minutes from time completed the comeback and secured one of Ecuador’s most memorable World Cup victories.
Noboa praised the players and coaching staff for overcoming criticism and difficult moments to keep Ecuador’s World Cup campaign alive.
He wrote on 𝕏: “Thanks to the players and the coach who, despite the criticism, the insults and the difficult moments they endured, managed to bounce back and bring this immense joy to the entire country. Tomorrow is a holiday! Long live Ecuador!”
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