Ecuador officially announced its 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 1, including defenders Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie, and Pervis Estupinan, along with defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo who is eligible for the opening match after a recent FIFA rule change [1, 2]. The 36-year-old team captain Enner Valencia, the country's all-time top scorer with 49 goals in 105 international appearances, will lead the attack at his third World Cup, having scored six goals in previous tournaments [1, 2].
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada [1, 2]. Ecuador, appearing in its fifth World Cup, aims to improve on its best performance, reaching the round of 16 in 2006 when it lost to England [1, 2].
Ecuador's preparation includes a warm-up friendly against Guatemala on June 7, ahead of group stage matches against Ivory Coast on June 14, Curacao on June 20, and Germany on June 25. These matches are part of Group E play [1, 2].
The squad selection covers all positions with specific goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards named for the campaign [1, 2]. The inclusion of key defenders and midfielders reflects Ecuador’s focus on a balanced team capable of contesting tough group opponents.
The opening World Cup match against Ivory Coast on June 14 marks a critical starting point for Ecuador to make a mark in the tournament [1, 2].