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President Daniel Noboa announced a nationwide holiday on Friday after Ecuador's 2-1 win over Germany at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
The victory put Ecuador into the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, only the second time in history the team has advanced past the group stage.
Noboa praised the team's determination in a post on X, noting their perseverance during a tough campaign.
"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 came into the crucial Group E match after losing 1-0 to the Ivory Coast and drawing 0-0 with Curacao, making the game against Germany a must-win.
Beating a German team that had already qualified and won the World Cup four times was an unexpected comeback and sparked celebrations across Ecuador.
In Quito, car horns blared as fans gathered in city plazas. In the United States, where over 800,000 Ecuadorians live—many in New York and New Jersey—supporters filled the stadium, far outnumbering German fans.
Germany scored in the first two minutes. Florian Wirtz set up Leroy Sane in the penalty area, and Sane finished into the bottom-left corner past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. Ecuador's players appealed for a foul on Pedro Vite earlier in the play, but the goal was allowed to stand.
Ecuador answered right away. In the ninth minute, 23-year-old Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo picked up a loose ball in midfield and scored from long range, beating Manuel Neuer to tie the game.
For the rest of the first half, Ecuador gained confidence, pressed well, disrupted Germany's play, and created chances on the counterattack.
The winning goal came in the 77th minute from a corner on the right. Kevin Rodriguez headed the ball across the goal, and Gonzalo Plata, who plays for Flamengo in Brazil, poked it in from close range.
Germany pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes, including seven minutes of stoppage time, but Ecuador's defense stayed strong and held on for the win.
This win is only the second time Ecuador has advanced past the World Cup group stage, matching their 2006 achievement. Ecuador first qualified for the men's World Cup in 2002, and this is their fifth time in the tournament.
Head coach Sebastian Beccacece, a 45-year-old Argentine who took over in 2024, said his team maintained the same approach for the Germany match, despite public criticism after the Curacao draw. Reports said some criticism even led to a verbal confrontation with his family.
Beccacece called his 26-man squad "warriors" and pointed out a special moment before the match: veteran forward Enner Valencia, 36, who has over 100 caps for Ecuador, gave the captain's armband to Moises Caicedo for this game.
"That shows you the beauty we have in the team; charisma, unity, admiration. It was like a father passing the baton to his child. Enner is the living heritage and legacy of Ecuador," Beccacece said.
He also spoke about his relationship with Ecuador's fans: "I apologize to everyone who hasn't clicked with me. Now I ask the entire country of Ecuador to remain united."
Ecuador's team includes several well-known club players, such as Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, Paris Saint-Germain defender Willian Pacho, and Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie.
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Germany captain Joshua Kimmich spoke honestly after the match. "The difference today was that the opponent wanted to win more than us," he told DAZN.
Ecuador will likely face Mexico next, and the winner could play England if Thomas Tuchel's team finishes first in its group.
Ecuador's spot in the next round should be confirmed after the group stage ends, but the final standings in the expanded 48-team tournament are still being decided.
Beccacece closed his post-match news conference with a message directed at the entire country: "Let the people of Ecuador enjoy this. Let them have a beer, celebrate with family members, and raise a glass to those beloved ones who have passed away."
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