Defensive, wily and intense, Ecuador aims to make 2026 World Cup its best

"Enner Valencia, the 35-year-old journeyman and the nation's all-time scorer, sealed the win with a penalty in his 100th appearance. The Estadio Monumental roared with ecstasy and emotion. Both sides had already sealed qualification for 2026 and the visitors were playing without Lionel Messi, who had also said goodbye to qualifiers after his final game in Buenos Aires a few days prior."

"They were acknowledging a magnificent campaign as La Tricolor ended second in the table, their best-ever finish since Conmebol qualifiers moved to a single table. And this despite starting the campaign with a three-point penalty due to the use of documents with false information to register Byron Castillo in the previous cycle. It was a campaign of total resiliency; Ecuador have also not lost a game since 6 September 2024, a tight 1-0 loss away at Brazil."

"Ecuador's trajectory may be surprising to some, but it's really a natural extension of the growth of the domestic game, an increase of players playing their trade in Europe, and a youth system that continues to produce stars. This is a national team that could make a run in next summer's World Cup. Now, as they prepare for two friendlies against two hosts the United States and Mexico the aim and message from Ecuador's standpoint is simple: keep going."

Ecuador finished second in Conmebol qualifying after a 1-0 win over Argentina in Guayaquil, with Enner Valencia converting a penalty. Argentina played without Lionel Messi. Ecuador began qualifying with a three-point deduction over Byron Castillo registration but still achieved their best finish since the single-table era. The team has not lost since 6 September 2024, when they fell 1-0 at Brazil, conceding only one goal since then and five across the campaign. Domestic development, more players in Europe and a productive youth system underpin Ecuador's rise. Coach Sebastian Beccacece urges official-level intensity in friendlies against the United States and Mexico.

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