With its victory over Germany and qualification for the World Cup knockout stage, Ecuador celebrated the achievement as the president declared Friday a national holiday.
Soccer has its own logic that defies reason. After defeating Germany 2-1 on Thursday night, Ecuador qualified for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. It was a hard-fought qualification, rewarded with a national holiday.
Ecuador had a rough start to the tournament, losing their opener to Ivory Coast (1-0) before earning their first point in a scoreless draw against Curacao.
Now with 4 points, Sebastian Beccacece’s players are guaranteed to finish among the best third-place teams.
While James Rodriguez’s teammates secured the ticket to the next round, the entire nation of Ecuador can celebrate.
President Daniel Noboa announced a public holiday this Friday to celebrate the team’s qualification.
The Ecuadorian head of state took to social media to congratulate “the players and the coach who, despite the criticism, insults, and tough times they’ve endured, were able to pull themselves together and bring this immense joy to the entire country.”
Although Ecuador has qualified, it does not yet know who its opponent will be in the round of 16, but the final-round bracket is gradually taking shape. It could be England on Wednesday, July 1.
