Ecuador has declared a bank holiday following their impressive World Cup victory over Germany. President Daniel Novoa made the announcement after La Tricolore overcame the deficit to defeat Die Mannschaft and secure a place in the last 32.
Heads of state were present at MetLife Stadium on Thursday to witness the national team’s landmark result. Ecuador needed a win against the four-time world champions to advance and put in the performance they needed to keep their tournament ambitions alive. Noboa praised his team and coach Sebastian Beccasse for their efforts in guiding them to the finals, and immediately declared the following day, June 26, a public holiday.
“I will never give up on my team, especially this team,” the president posted on social media. “Thank you to the players and coaches who despite the criticism, insults and tough times they have managed to bounce back and bring this immense joy to the nation.”
Ecuador’s chances looked doomed when Leroy Sane found the back of the net within two minutes, but the South Americans responded brilliantly. Sunderland winger Nilsson Angulo restored parity with a stunning curling shot past Manuel Neuer from the edge of the area. Gonzalo Plata then scored a goal in the 77th minute to seal the victory.
Germany secured the top spot in Group G by holding off Ivory Coast on goal difference. Ecuador is in 3rd place with 4 points and is currently scheduled to play Mexico next.
Ecuador made its first World Cup appearance in 2002 and has appeared in five of the past seven tournaments. However, this is only the second time they have advanced to the finals.
Indeed, the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams has made that feat somewhat easier in 2026. Ecuador’s only previous appearance in the finals was in 2006, when they defeated Poland and Costa Rica in the group stage. This year too, they finished second to Germany in their group.
They lost 1-0 to England in the last 16. Twenty years from now, they’ll be hoping to make an even bigger impact. And an extra bank holiday will no doubt do wonders for supporters’ spirits.
