Quito, June 26 -- Ecuador President Daniel Noboa declared a holiday in the country in celebration of the national football team's qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after they produced one of the biggest upsets by defeating four-time champions Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match on Thursday, June 25 (local time), at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Ecuador went into the match after a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in their opening game and a goalless draw against Curacao in their second fixture. Despite starting the clash against already-qualified Germany as clear underdogs, they produced a strong performance to secure a 2-0 victory.

After Ecuador's victory, President Daniel Noboa thanked the players and coach Sebas...