Willian Pacho and Moises Caicedo are the stars as Ecuador’s FIFA World Cup squad is revealed
Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece has announced his 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Having conceded just five goals in CONMEBOL qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026, the Ecuadoreans head into this summer as one of many people’s so-called ‘dark horses’ with an incredible defensive record and set of players.
The headline star in that back-line is Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Willian Pacho, who was again key for the Parisians as they defended their UEFA Champions League title this season.
Just in front of the back-line, Ecuador also boast one of the very best defensive midfielders in the world with Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo providing the protection.
Alongside Willian Pacho at the back, there are also recognisable stars such as AC Milan left-back Pervis Estupinan and Arsenal’s versatile Piero Hincapie.
There is a lot of quality in defence and midfield but their weakness does probably come in the final third with a bit of an over-reliance on former West Ham United striker Enner Valencia, who remains the captain with over 100 caps for La Tri.
Valencia will be supported by Kevin Rodriguez, who has helped Royale Union Saint-Gilloise defend the Belgian title, while wide men include Flamengo winger Gonzalo Plata and Sunderland’s Nilson Angulo with 19-year-old Kendry Paez in behind.
