After the confirmations from Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Uruguay, it was Ecuador's turn. The team led by Sebastián Beccacece revealed the final list of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup through an emotional video dedicated to Ecuadorian migrants in the United States.
After a remarkable campaign in the South American Qualifiers, where they established themselves as the second-best team in the region despite starting with three points less, Ecuador arrives at the World Cup with renewed expectations. The team, coached by the Argentine manager, has built a solid identity based on tactical order, physical intensity, and a defensive structure that has become one of its main strengths.
The backbone of the team consists of players who are experiencing a great moment in European football. In defense, Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié stand out, two of the most sought-after center-backs on the continent, accompanied by the experience of Pervis Estupiñán at left-back.
In midfield, all eyes are on Moisés Caicedo. The Chelsea midfielder has established himself as the standout figure of the Ecuadorian national team and arrives at the World Cup as one of the most complete midfielders on the planet. At just 24 years old, he will be one of the footballing leaders of a squad that mixes youth and experience.
In attack, the historic Enner Valencia will once again be the main offensive reference. The scorer will be joined by a new generation of talents looking to make their mark, with names like Gonzalo Plata, John Yeboah, Alan Minda, and Kendry Páez, a player from River, who will be one of the representatives of Argentinian football alongside goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez and Jordy Caicedo (both from Huracán).
As is the case with every World Cup squad list, there were also notable absences. The most discussed decision was the exclusion of Jeremy Sarmiento, who was left out of the final roster despite being part of the qualifying process. Players with experience in the national team such as Alexander Domínguez, Jhegson Méndez, José Cifuentes, Michael Estrada, and Djorkaeff Reasco were also not called up.
In the lead-up to the World Cup and after their 2-1 victory against Saudi Arabia in New Jersey last Saturday, the Tri will have one last friendly match for preparation against Guatemala on June 7 in Columbus, Ohio. Once in the tournament, Beccacece's team will play in Group E, alongside Côte d'Ivoire, Curaçao, and Germany. Their debut will be against the Africans on June 14 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, then they will face the Central Americans on the 20th at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, and will close the group stage against the Europeans on the 25th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The 26 players called up from Ecuador for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers:
Gonzalo Valle (Liga de Quito)
Hernán Galíndez (Huracán)
Moisés Ramírez (Kifisia FC)
Defenders:
Ángelo Preciado (Atlético Mineiro)
Félix Torres (Inter de Porto Alegre)
Joel Ordóñez (Brujas)
Jackson Porozo (Tijuana)
Pervis Estupiñán (Milan)
Piero Hincapié (Arsenal)
Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain)
