Ecuador is celebrating one of the biggest moments in its football history after the national team secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Germany. The historic result prompted President Daniel Noboa to declare a national holiday, giving fans across the country a chance to celebrate the achievement.
Ecuador went into their final Group E match under pressure after losing to Ivory Coast and drawing with Curaçao in their first two games. Germany made the perfect start when Leroy Sane scored inside the opening two minutes, leaving Ecuador with a mountain to climb.
However, the South American side responded brilliantly. Nilson Angulo equalised in the ninth minute with Ecuador's first goal of the tournament before Gonzalo Plata completed the turnaround with the winner in the 78th minute. The victory was enough to send Ecuador into the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams, while Germany had already secured qualification despite the defeat.
President Daniel Noboa announces public holiday
Shortly after the final whistle, President Daniel Noboa announced that Friday would be observed as a national holiday to honour the team's remarkable achievement. He congratulated the players and coaching staff for making the nation proud with a memorable World Cup performance.
EL VIDEO MÁS ÉPICO DE ESTA PATRIA 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/zhbYUvGcsd
— MrOFF (@MrOFFSIDER) June 25, 2026
The announcement sparked celebrations across the country as fans gathered in streets and public squares to mark Ecuador's qualification. It is only the second time Ecuador has reached the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup, having previously done so in 2006.
Beccacece hails historic achievement
Head coach Sebastián Beccacece described the victory over four-time champions Germany as the greatest World Cup win in Ecuador's history. He praised his players for showing character after a difficult start to the tournament and for believing they could turn the match around despite conceding early.
With confidence soaring after the famous win, Ecuador will now shift its focus to the Round of 32, hoping to extend its dream run and create more history at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
