Antonio Valencia is allowing himself to dream a little. Just not too much.

Ahead of Ecuador’s 2026 World Cup round-of-32 clash with Mexico, the former Manchester United winger believes La Tri (not to be confused with El Tri, of course) have enough quality to become one of the surprise stories of the tournament. A place in the final? That, he admits, may be asking too much. But a quarter-final run is not fantasy.

“As an Ecuadorian, I feel very proud of the national team we have,” Valencia said in a chat with Hajper. “We have a team with a very high level.”

And he is not just speaking in vague, patriotic terms. Valencia pointed to the strength running through this Ecuador side, naming several stars as proof that Ecuador are no longer just a dangerous outsider.

“When you look at the names, Pacho, Hincapié, Pervis Estupiñán, Angelo Preciado, Moisés Caicedo, Plata... we are in a good place,” he said.

Still, Valencia knows reputation means very little once the knockout stage begins. Against Mexico, in a one-off game, Ecuador have to show that the excitement around this young team is real.

“But of course, you have to prove it on the pitch,” he added. “I think it is a very young team and one that can be the surprise package at this World Cup.”

Valencia, who won two Premier League titles at Manchester United and remains one of Ecuador’s greatest ever players, refused to go all in on a miracle run. He has dreams, but he knows the draw is full of heavyweight teams.

“Of course, I would love Ecuador to reach the final, but you have to be realistic because there are also very strong teams,” he said.

So what would count as a brilliant World Cup for Ecuador? Valencia is clear.

“A quarter-final would be something I would love to see, and yes, I think it is possible,” he said. “We have the team for it, and it all depends on them.”

Follow Mexico vs Ecuador live with our Dane Arlauckas, right here on AS USA.

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