Ecuador at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Ecuador have appeared at four previous FIFA World Cups: Korea/Japan 2002 (debut), Germany 2006, Brazil 2014, and Qatar 2022. Their best performance came at Germany 2006, when they topped their group with wins over Poland and Costa Rica before falling 1-0 to England in the round of 16. At their debut in 2002 and at 2014 and 2022 they were eliminated in the group stage. At Qatar 2022 they made headlines by beating host Qatar 2-0 in the tournament opener, but failed to advance. Ecuador have never won the World Cup.

Qualification

Ecuador finished second in the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 29 points from 18 matches (eight wins, eight draws, two losses), their best qualifying finish since the 2002 cycle. Under Sebastián Beccacece, who took charge in August 2024, La Tri lost only two matches across the entire campaign. Standout results included wins away in Colombia and at home against Argentina, as well as a home draw against Brazil. Their qualification is all the more notable given that Ecuador had faced a three-point penalty at the start of the cycle as a consequence of the Byron Castillo eligibility controversy from the previous qualifying campaign.

Preparation

Ecuador entered the tournament with two warm-up wins (2-1 vs Saudi Arabia on 30 May, 3-0 vs Guatemala on 7 June). After losing their Group E opener 1-0 to Ivory Coast (14 June, Philadelphia) and drawing 0-0 with Curaçao despite 3.05 xG from 28 attempts (20 June, Kansas City), Ecuador faced a must-win Group E decider against Germany on 25 June at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (att. 80,663). They came from behind: Leroy Sané gave Germany the lead in the 2nd minute but Nilson Angulo equalized in the 9th and Gonzalo Plata struck the winner in the 77th minute from Kevin Rodríguez's corner. A German penalty was overturned by VAR in the second half. Ecuador finished third in Group E with 4 points (Germany 6, Ivory Coast 6, Ecuador 4, Curaçao 1) but advanced as one of the eight best third-place teams, reaching the knockout stage for the first time since 2006. President Daniel Noboa declared a national public holiday on June 26 to celebrate. Ecuador's run ended in the Round of 32 on 30 June, losing 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca (Julián Quiñones 22', Raúl Jiménez 31'); Piero Hincapié was sent off in second-half stoppage time. Coach Sebastián Beccacece stepped down on 1 July 2026 after the elimination, saying his contract was tied to the World Cup and reflecting positively on the squad's run to the knockout stage for the first time in 20 years.

Latest news

Sebastián Beccacece steps down as Ecuador coach after World Cup exit

· coach

Speaking to DS Sport after the 2-0 Round of 32 loss to Mexico, Beccacece confirmed he will not continue as Ecuador coach, with his contract tied to the World Cup's end: 'Today it's time to say goodbye to a beautiful, wonderful family with deep gratitude, great serenity, and inner peace.' He praised Ecuador's second-place CONMEBOL qualifying finish and first knockout appearance in 20 years.

Ecuador's World Cup run ends: Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 in Round of 32, Hincapié sent off

· matches

Ecuador were eliminated from the World Cup at the Round of 32, losing 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca. Julián Quiñones (22') and Raúl Jiménez (31') scored for Mexico; Piero Hincapié was sent off in stoppage time (90+5') for dissent. Kendry Páez and Moisés Caicedo were also booked. Ecuador had 57% possession but just one shot on target, ending their first knockout run since 2006.

Ecuador resume training in Columbus ahead of Round of 32; no injuries in squad

· general

Back from New Jersey after the Germany win, Ecuador trained at OhioHealth Performance Center in Columbus on June 26-27, with no injury concerns for any squad member. Beccacece began analysing the Round of 32 opponent while the squad stayed at Hotel Le Meridien. They depart Columbus on June 29 for Mexico City, where they face Mexico at Estadio Azteca on June 30.

Ecuador Round of 32 confirmed: La Tri face Mexico at Estadio Azteca on June 30

· general

Following the completion of the group stage, Ecuador's Round of 32 opponent was confirmed as Group A winners Mexico. The match is scheduled for June 30 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City at 21:00 ET. Mexico won Group A with a perfect record of three wins and nine points without conceding. It is Ecuador's first World Cup knockout match since 2006.

Ecuador President Noboa declares national public holiday after World Cup qualification

· general

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa declared June 26, 2026 a national public holiday following the national team's qualification for the World Cup knockout stage after beating Germany 2-1. On social media, Noboa praised 'the players and the coach who, despite the criticism, insults, and tough times, were able to pull themselves together.'

Ecuador stun Germany 2-1 to reach World Cup Round of 32 for first time since 2006

· matches

Ecuador beat Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (att. 80,663), Group E decider. Leroy Sané opened (2'), Nilson Angulo equalized (9'), Gonzalo Plata won it (77') from Kevin Rodríguez's corner. German penalty overturned on VAR (build-up foul). Ecuador advance among eight best third-place teams (4 pts); Beccacece: 'This is for the people. The players have given them this qualification.'

Beccacece: 'I believe more than yesterday' but warns he will leave if Ecuador eliminated

· coach

At his MetLife Stadium press conference on 24 June, Beccacece said Ecuador 'believe more than yesterday' ahead of the Germany decider. He acknowledged his tenure depends on the result: 'If things don't work out, I'll have to leave a place I love very much.' He planned minimal lineup changes, noting precision in front of goal had cost Ecuador against Ivory Coast and Curaçao.

Ecuador travel to New Jersey for Germany Group E decider at MetLife Stadium

· general

Ecuador trained in Columbus on the morning of 24 June, then flew by private charter to New Jersey, where they are staying at the Westin Jersey City Newport ahead of their Group E decider against Germany on 25 June at MetLife Stadium (20:00 UTC). Referee for the match is American official Tori Penso. No injury concerns reported; full squad available.

Ecuador resume training in Columbus ahead of Germany decider; no injuries reported

· general

Ecuador flew to Columbus on 21 June and resumed training at the Columbus Crew facilities. Beccacece held a tactical meeting before the session; players who featured vs Curaçao did gym recovery while substitutes did high-intensity work. No injuries reported. Squad trains 22-23 June, travels to New York on 24 June ahead of the Group E decider vs Germany on 25 June at MetLife Stadium.

Eloy Room's 15-save masterclass holds Ecuador to 0-0 draw; Curaçao earn historic first World Cup point

· matches

Ecuador drew 0-0 with Curaçao in Kansas City (20 Jun), creating 28 shots (3.05 xG). Eloy Room made 15 saves (World Cup record in 90 min since 1966). Alcívar yellow (38'). Beccacece: 'There are things you cannot explain in football. We wanted to win. As long as we are alive, we will give it our all.' Ecuador stay on 1 pt; must beat Germany on 25 June to advance.

Ecuador train in closed sessions in Kansas City ahead of must-win match against Curaçao

· general

Ecuador spent three days in media blackout in Kansas City, preparing for their Group E match against Curaçao on June 20. Enner Valencia, Moisés Caicedo and Jordy Caicedo interacted with fans outside the hotel but training remained closed. June 19 was to feature morning media access and the mandatory FIFA press conference before Saturday's match at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Ecuador's qualification scenarios after opening loss: win vs Curaçao essential

· general

After losing 1-0 to Ivory Coast, Ecuador sit third in Group E with 0 points behind Germany (3 pts, +6 GD) and Ivory Coast (3 pts). A win against Curaçao on June 20 keeps qualification alive ahead of the final group match against Germany on June 25. A draw would leave Ecuador needing to beat Germany; a loss could mean early elimination.

Beccacece calls Ivory Coast defeat unjust; disputes red card decision

· matches

After Ecuador's 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast, coach Beccacece called the result unjust: 'We were superior in the first half; in the second we had it controlled to get at least a draw.' He argued Ivory Coast's Guéla Doué should have been sent off before Amad Diallo's winner: 'It was clearly an expulsion and from there comes the play of the goal.'

Ecuador 0-1 Ivory Coast: Amad Diallo's 90th-minute winner ends Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten run

· matches

Ecuador lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast in their Group E opener at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (att. 68,274). They hit the crossbar twice — Yeboah (24') and Minda (30') — but failed to score. Substitute Amad Diallo won it in the 90th minute from Singo's cross. Ecuador had 51.6% possession but one shot on target to Ivory Coast's four. Porozo received Ecuador's only yellow card.

Ecuador departs Columbus for Philadelphia ahead of World Cup debut against Ivory Coast

· general

Ecuador completed a closed-door training session at the OhioHealth Performance Center in Columbus on 12 June 2026 to finalise tactical plans, then travelled to Philadelphia where La Tri will play their Group E opener against Ivory Coast on 14 June at Lincoln Financial Field. Coach Beccacece held a pre-match press conference in Philadelphia on 13 June.

Ecuador hold FIFA Media Day and release official World Cup squad photos

· general

Ecuador took part in FIFA's mandatory Media Day on 11 June 2026 and released official tournament photographs via the federation's social media channels. Players including Hernán Galíndez, Piero Hincapié, Willian Pacho, John Yeboah, Joel Ordóñez and Félix Torres featured in the images. The event is standard FIFA protocol ahead of each team's group-stage opener.

Ecuador arrive at 2026 World Cup with record squad market value of $437 million

· general

Ecuador's 26-man World Cup squad carries a combined market value of USD 437 million according to Transfermarkt, nearly double the value of the squad at Qatar 2022. Moisés Caicedo leads at USD 127.8 million, followed by Willian Pacho at USD 93 million and Piero Hincapié at USD 58 million. Ecuador enter ranked 23rd by FIFA, their best-ever World Cup ranking.

Enner Valencia and Hernán Galíndez confirm 2026 World Cup will be their last

· squad

Captain and record scorer Enner Valencia had previously stated during qualifying that he would not return to play for Ecuador in future World Cups. Goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez also confirmed that this tournament marks the end of his international career. Both are the oldest players in the squad. Ecuador's other 24 players have an average age of 26.1 years.

Beccacece clears injury doubts: Páez, Yeboah and Minda all fit for opener

· injuries

Kendry Páez (replaced by Pedro Vite), John Yeboah (left-leg discomfort) and Alan Minda (an ankle knock) all left Ecuador's 3-0 friendly win over Guatemala with minor issues. After the match coach Sebastián Beccacece said the three were fine and reported nothing serious, confirming Ecuador will have a full squad available for their World Cup opener against Ivory Coast on 14 June.

Ecuador beat Guatemala 3-0 in final World Cup warm-up

· matches

Ecuador won their final pre-tournament friendly 3-0 against Guatemala on 7 June 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. Jordy Caicedo scored from the penalty spot (18'), Nilson Angulo headed in a second from Ángelo Preciado's cross (72'), and Pervis Estupiñán added a long-range third (77'). Beccacece rotated heavily, making ten changes at half-time, with no serious injuries from the two June friendlies.

Ecuador to close World Cup warm-ups against Guatemala with full squad

· matches

Ecuador prepared for their second and final pre-tournament friendly against Guatemala on 7 June 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. It was the first time coach Sebastián Beccacece had all 26 World Cup players training together, after Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié integrated following the Champions League final. It is La Tri's last test before their opener against Ivory Coast on 14 June in Philadelphia.

Enner Valencia and Kevin Rodríguez back in full Ecuador training

· injuries

Forwards Enner Valencia and Kevin Rodríguez, who had trained separately earlier in the week because of minor physical discomfort, were back working normally with the Ecuador group on 6 June 2026. Both remained available, though Beccacece was managing their workload and neither was expected to start the warm-up against Guatemala.

Ecuador confirm World Cup shirt numbers; Páez takes the No. 10

· squad

Ecuador's federation announced the squad's World Cup shirt numbers on 2 June 2026. Kendry Páez (River Plate) takes the historic No. 10, captain and record scorer Enner Valencia keeps the No. 13, Willian Pacho wears No. 6 (down from his PSG No. 51), Piero Hincapié No. 3 and Moisés Caicedo retains No. 23.

Beccacece names final 26-man Ecuador squad for the World Cup

· squad

Ecuador confirmed their final 26-player World Cup roster on the night of 31 May 2026. Thirteen players have prior World Cup experience and thirteen will debut. Newcomers versus the provisional file include Jordy Alcívar, John Yeboah, Alan Minda, Jordy Caicedo and Jeremy Arévalo; Anthony Valencia made the cut after his Saudi Arabia performance.

Mercado and Campana among omissions from Ecuador's final squad

· squad

Several players missed Ecuador's final 26. Patrik Mercado was ruled out by an ACL rupture and Leonardo Campana by injury, while Keny Arroyo (Cruzeiro) was left out despite good club form. Jhegson Méndez and John Mercado, who featured in earlier squads, were also not selected.

Ecuador beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in pre-World Cup friendly

· matches

Ecuador won their first pre-tournament warm-up 2-1 against Saudi Arabia on 30 May 2026 at Sports Illustrated Stadium (Red Bull Arena) in Harrison, New Jersey. Jackson Porozo opened the scoring in the 35th minute and Anthony Valencia added a second in the 51st; Sultan Mandash pulled one back for Saudi Arabia late on.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Hernán GalíndezGKHuracán
Gonzalo ValleGKL.D.U. Quito
Moisés RamírezGKAE Kifisias
Pervis EstupiñánDFAC Milan
Joel OrdóñezDFClub Brugge
Ángelo PreciadoDFAtlético Mineiro
Willian PachoDFParis Saint-Germain
Piero HincapiéDFArsenal
Kevin RodríguezFWUnion Saint-Gilloise
Félix TorresDFInternacional
Jackson PorozoDFClub Tijuana
Jordy AlcívarMFIndependiente del Valle
John YeboahMFVenezia
Moisés CaicedoMFChelsea
Kendry PáezMFRiver Plate
Alan FrancoMFAtlético Mineiro
Pedro ViteMFVancouver Whitecaps
Denil CastilloMFFC Midtjylland
Yaimar MedinaMFKRC Genk
Alan MindaFWAtlético Mineiro
Enner ValenciaFWPachuca
Gonzalo PlataFWFlamengo
Jordy CaicedoFWHuracán
Jeremy ArévaloFWVfB Stuttgart
Nilson AnguloFWRSCA Futures
Anthony ValenciaFWRoyal Antwerp

Recent results

  • 2023-09-07 — ARG 1-0 ECU (qualification)
  • 2023-09-12 — ECU 2-1 URU (qualification)
  • 2023-10-12 — BOL 1-2 ECU (qualification)
  • 2023-10-17 — ECU 0-0 COL (qualification)
  • 2023-11-16 — VEN 0-0 ECU (qualification)
  • 2023-11-21 — ECU 1-0 CHI (qualification)
  • 2024-03-21 — ECU 2-0 GUA (friendly)
  • 2024-03-24 — ECU 0-2 ITA (friendly)
  • 2024-06-09 — ARG 1-0 ECU (friendly)
  • 2024-06-12 — ECU 3-1 BOL (friendly)
  • 2024-06-16 — ECU 2-1 HON (friendly)
  • 2024-09-06 — BRA 1-0 ECU (qualification)
  • 2024-09-10 — ECU 1-0 PER (qualification)
  • 2024-10-10 — ECU 0-0 PAR (qualification)
  • 2024-10-15 — URU 0-0 ECU (qualification)
  • 2024-11-14 — ECU 4-0 BOL (qualification)
  • 2024-11-19 — COL 0-1 ECU (qualification)
  • 2025-03-21 — ECU 2-1 VEN (qualification)
  • 2025-03-25 — CHI 0-0 ECU (qualification)
  • 2025-06-05 — ECU 0-0 BRA (qualification)
  • 2025-06-10 — PER 0-0 ECU (qualification)
  • 2025-09-04 — PAR 0-0 ECU (qualification)
  • 2025-09-09 — ECU 1-0 ARG (qualification)
  • 2025-10-10 — USA 1-1 ECU (friendly)
  • 2025-10-14 — MEX 1-1 ECU (friendly)
  • 2025-11-13 — CAN 0-0 ECU (friendly)
  • 2025-11-18 — ECU 2-0 NZL (friendly)
  • 2026-03-27 — MAR 1-1 ECU (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — NED 1-1 ECU (friendly)
  • 2026-05-30 — KSA 1-2 ECU (friendly)
  • 2026-06-07 — ECU 3-0 GUA (friendly)
  • 2026-06-14 — CIV 1-0 ECU (group)
  • 2026-06-20 — ECU 0-0 CUW (group)
  • 2026-06-25 — GER 1-2 ECU (group)
  • 2026-06-30 — MEX 2-0 ECU (round_of_32)

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