Ecuador head into their fifth World Cup, all since the turn of the century, on a 19-game unbeaten run. Their last defeat came away to Brazil in World Cup qualifying in September 2024.

Not traditionally one of South America’s strongest national teams, La Tri qualified for the tournament in emphatic fashion. Despite being deducted three points for an eligibility issue related to Byron Castillo, Ecuador finished second behind Argentina. They lost only two of their 18 games and conceded just five goals.

Although they qualified comfortably, Ecuador were also the third-lowest scorers in South American qualifying with just 14 goals. That suggests we perhaps should not be expecting too many fireworks in their Group E matches against Ivory Coast, Curaçao, and Germany.

They boast plenty of top-level experience in their squad, with Champions League finalists Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié in defense, Chelsea’s $115 million midfielder Moisés Caicedo anchoring the middle of the pitch, and Enner Valencia, Ecuador’s all-time top scorer, leading the attack.

Full Ecuador squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers

• Hernán Galíndez (Huracán)
• Gonzalo Valle (Liga de Quito)
• Moisés Ramírez (Kifisia)

Defenders

• Piero Hincapié (Arsenal)
• Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Pervis Estupiñán (AC Milan)
• Ángelo Preciado (Atlético Mineiro)
• Joel Ordóñez (Club Brugge)
• Félix Torres (Internacional)
• Jackson Porozo (Tijuana)
• Yaimar Medina (Genk)

Midfielders

• Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea)
• Alan Franco (Atlético Mineiro)
• Gonzalo Plata (Flamengo)
• Kendry Páez (River Plate, on loan from Chelsea)
• Pedro Vite (UNAM)
• Jordy Alcívar (Independiente del Valle)
• Denil Castillo (Midtjylland)
• John Yeboah (Venezia)
• Nilson Angulo (Sunderland)
• Alan Minda (Atlético Mineiro)
• Anthony Valencia (Royal Antwerp)
• Jeremy Arévalo (VfB Stuttgart)

Forwards

• Enner Valencia (Pachuca)
• Kevin Rodríguez (Union Saint-Gilloise)
• Jordy Caicedo (Huracán)
• Anthony Valencia (Royal Antwerp)
• Jeremy Arévalo (VfB Stuttgart)

Schedule and group for Ecuador at the 2026 World Cup

Group E: Germany, Ivory Coast, Ivory Coast and Ecuador

Sunday, June 14, 7pm ET: Ivory Coast vs Ecuador

Saturday, June 20, 3pm ET: Ecuador vs Curaçao

Thursday, June 25: 3pm ET: Ecuador vs Germany

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