Ecuador head coach Sebastian Beccacece has announced the squad for the 2026 World Cup, anchored by a formidable defense that includes PSG's Willian Pacho and Arsenal's Piero Hincapie.
The pair were Champions League final opponents just days ago but will now unite for the national team, joining AC Milan full-back Pervis Estupinan. Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo adds another layer of protection, having been cleared to play in the tournament's opening match after a recent FIFA rule change.
Captain Enner Valencia returns for his third World Cup. The 36-year-old striker, the nation's all-time leading scorer with 49 goals, will spearhead an attack that includes Gonzalo Plata, Alan Minda, and up-and-coming talent Kendry Paez.
Ecuador opens the tournament against Ivory Coast on June 14. They also face Curacao and Germany in Group E, with a warm-up match against Guatemala this Sunday. The team is making its fifth World Cup appearance, aiming to surpass the round of 16 finish achieved in 2006.