Ecuador president declares national holiday following World Cup heroics

"Thank you to the players and to the coach (Sebastian Beccacece) who, in spite of the critics, insults and the tough moments they have traversed, succeeded in coming together and delivered immense happiness to the whole country," Noboa wrote on X.

"Tomorrow (Friday) is a holiday!"

Huge celebrations erupted in the country and amongst the large number of Ecuador fans inside the MetLife Stadium, when Gonzalo Plata jabbed home from close range 13 minutes from time in Thursday's game.

It completed a gutsy recovery after going a goal down early on in their Group E match.

"Everyone wanted qualification to the next round, and maybe it could have been sooner, but it is better this way," said Plata.

"We arrived with hunger and we had to show everything."

Ecuador finished with four points, guaranteeing them a place in the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

It is only the second time that Ecuador have reached the knockout stages at the quadrennial football fiesta.