Ecuador president declares national holiday to celebrate World Cup round 32 progress
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a national holiday following the national soccer team’s shocking 2-1 comeback victory over Germany, which secured their place in the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds.
News ReportEcuadorian President Daniel Noboa has officially declared Friday a national holiday following the national soccer team’s stunning 2-1 comeback victory against Germany at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The unexpected triumph on Thursday night secured the South American nation a coveted spot in the round of 32, marking only the second time in history that Ecuador has advanced to the tournament’s knockout stages.
Despite conceding an early second-minute goal to Germany’s Leroy Sané, Ecuador responded rapidly through a brilliant ninth-minute equalizer by Nilson Angulo.
The dramatic decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute when winger Gonzalo Plata poked a loose ball past German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
The historic win triggered widespread euphoria across Ecuador, prompting President Noboa to publicly praise the resilient squad and grant citizens a day of celebration.
