Ecuador vs Iraq: times, how to watch on TV, stream online, international friendly

Ecuador round off their pre-2022 World Cup schedule with a friendly in Madrid against Iraq. Gustavo Alfaro’s will take part in the opening game of the tournament on 20 November against hosts Qatar although their preparations will be hampered by the fact that they won’t have some first-choice players available for this final warm-up game. Ecuador will also take on Senegal and the Netherlands in Group A. Alfaro has yet to finalise his roster for the World Cup which means this will be the last chance for players not guaranteed a place to impress. Iraq, meanwhile, were Mexico’s pre-World Cup sparring partners on Wednesday night in Girona, where they were soundly beaten 4-0. They won’t be going to Qatar but are in the midst of a series of friendly matches, with further games against Belgium, Costa Rica and Venezuela coming up before 21 November.

Ecuador - Iraq live online: pre-World Cup 2022 friendly

When does Ecuador vs Iraq kick off?

The game between Ecuador and Iraq starts on Saturday, 12 November 2022 at

· 12.30 p.m. ET

· 9.30 a.m. PT

How to watch Ecuador vs Iraq

Ecuador vs Iraq preview

Last chance for Ecuador players to secure a place on 2022 World Cup roster

Since securing qualification for the World Cup – they finished fourth in South American qualifying – Ecuador have played five friendly games and haven’t conceded a single goal. While they look defensively sound, things haven’t clicked quite as well at the other end of the field, with goals in 1-0 wins against Nigeria and Cape Verde the only times they have found the target. Because of club commitments, key figures such as Enner Valencia of Fenerbahçe and Brighton duo Moises Caiceido and Pervis Estupiñan are unavailable for this game, which means that some players who aren’t regular starters will have an opportunity to force their way onto Alfaro’s roster.

Spaniard Jesús Casas to take over as Iraq boss

Iraq’s next competitive game is in the Gulf Cup of Nations against Oman in January, which will be followed by clashes with Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Spaniard Jesús Casas has been appointed as their new manager but won’t take charge of this game in his home city of Madrid, with interim boss Radhi Shenaishil having picked a roster which is largely made up of young players supplemented by a few experienced ones. Midfielder Amjad Attwan, who plays for Al-Shamal in Qatar, is the most capped player with 64 appearances, while Aymen Hussein of Al-Markhiya, also from Qatar, is the top scorer with 11 international goal.

Ecuador vs Iraq prediction

Had they been at full strength, Ecuador would have been favourites to win this game relatively comfortably, especially given the way Mexico, who had been struggling for goals, took Iraq apart on Wednesday. La Tricolor should still have too much for the Lions and will fancy their chances of keeping yet another clear sheet.

Prediction – Ecuador 2-0 Iraq

Who will referee Ecuador vs Iraq?

The referee for Ecuador vs Iraq will be Gustavo Correia from Portugal.