Ecuador pulled off a major upset at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Germany 2-1. President Daniel Noboa, who attended the match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, immediately declared June 26, 2026, a national holiday.
The team fell behind before mounting a second-half comeback. Nilson Angulo scored earlier, but Gonzalo Plata delivered the decisive goal in the 77th minute.
This victory is monumental. It is only the second time in Ecuador's football history that the national team has advanced to the World Cup knockout stage, the first being nearly 20 years ago.
The expanded 48-team format allowed Ecuador to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. The stadium was packed with a largely Ecuadorian crowd.
The win over a tournament powerhouse, following pre-tournament criticism, turns the squad's campaign into a national celebration.