{"id":1450038,"date":"2026-07-01T10:18:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T09:18:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&#038;p=1450038"},"modified":"2026-07-01T10:18:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T09:18:25","slug":"ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/","title":{"rendered":"Ecuador World Cup 2026: Route to the final, next match and tactical analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ecuador saw their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/world-cup-2026-betting-tips-predictions\/\">World Cup<\/a> dreams dashed in the Round of 32 after a 2-0 loss to Mexico.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beccacece&#8217;s side arrived in North America with genuine knockout ambitions, only to stumble badly in their opening two group fixtures. A 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast and a goalless draw with Curacao left them staring at an early exit &#8211; precisely the nightmare scenario a squad of this quality feared most. The pressure could not have been greater heading into Matchday 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What followed was stunning. Ecuador came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 in New Jersey &#8211; breaking a 13-year winless run against UEFA opposition and reaching the knockout stages for the first time since 2006. Nilson Angulo bent an exquisite equaliser from range before Gonzalo Plata ended a 12-match international goalless drought with a 77th-minute winner &#8211; the latest match-winning goal in Ecuador&#8217;s entire World Cup history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Azteca ultimately proved a step too far. Ecuador generated just seven shots against Mexico and created nothing of substance. Piero Hincapie&#8217;s stoppage-time red card completed a miserable evening &#8211; a symbolic end to a campaign that promised far more than its four points and three goals ultimately delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Germany win will live long in the memory. Everything else raises uncomfortable questions about what Beccacece&#8217;s side are truly capable of against elite opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>READ MORE: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-odds\/\"><strong>Get the latest Ecuador World Cup 2026 outright odds here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ecuador key players for World Cup 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ecuador top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Enner Valencia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key stat: <\/strong>Enner Valencia scored more goals (six) than any other Ecuador player in World Cup qualifying.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He&#8217;s now 36 years old, but Enner Valencia is still going strong for Ecuador. The former West Ham and Everton man bagged six goals during qualifying, a total bettered by only three players, including Luis Diaz and Lionel Messi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valencia is Ecuador&#8217;s all-time top goalscorer, while nobody has scored more goals for them at World Cups (six).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, he has left a lot to be desired so far. Especially in the draw against Curacao, when he missed a whopping four big chances while accumulating 1.65 expected goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ecuador primary playmaker: Moises Caicedo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key stat: <\/strong>Moises Caicedo posted a team-high three assists during World Cup qualifying.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No Ecuadorian managed more assists during World Cup qualifying than Moises Caicedo (three) &#8212; a total bettered by only three players throughout the whole of Conmebol. What&#8217;s more, the all-action Chelsea midfielder was second only to his former Brighton teammate Pervis Estupinan (20) for chances created (19).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He has also boasted set-piece-taking skills, with dangerous in-swinging crosses that found teammates inside the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ecuador card magnet &amp; top tackler: Moises Caicedo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key stat: <\/strong>Moises Caicedo was shown a team-high four cards (three yellows, one red) during World Cup qualifying.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We said he was all-action. Alongside his three assists, Caicedo was booked three times and shown one red during qualifying. The 24-year-old was also second among Ecuadorians and 12th overall for fouls per 90 (2.1) and first for his nation in tackles per 90 (2.5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ecuador rising star: Kendry Paez<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given his Chelsea links, Kendry Paez is a name many are familiar with now. The 18-year-old already has two senior national team goals to his name in 23 caps, as well as a further three assists. After struggling for game time at Strasbourg, Paez is now on loan at River Plate hoping to get up to speed for the World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>STAND-OUT STAT: <strong>Ecuador <\/strong>kept more clean sheets than any other team in qualifying for World Cup 2026, keeping 13 clean sheets in just 18 matches.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Set-piece specialists<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Penalties: <\/strong>Enner Valencia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Free kicks: <\/strong>Kendry Paez<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\"><strong>Corners:&nbsp;<\/strong>Pervis Estupinan\/Kendry Paez\/Gonzalo Plata<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ecuador tactical analysis and formation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ecuador team stats (World Cup qualifying)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Corners: <\/strong>70<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shots on target: <\/strong>3.9 per match<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GK saves: <\/strong>2.7 per match<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Average possession: <\/strong>52.4%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/08104916\/ECUADOR-819x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1455556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/08104916\/ECUADOR-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/08104916\/ECUADOR-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/08104916\/ECUADOR-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/08104916\/ECUADOR-214x267.png 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/08104916\/ECUADOR-160x200.png 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/08104916\/ECUADOR-48x60.png 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/08104916\/ECUADOR-120x150.png 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/08104916\/ECUADOR-59x74.png 59w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/08104916\/ECUADOR.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While not as dominant as the likes of Argentina and Brazil, Ecuador generally like to see a lot of the ball in a 4-2-3-1 formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Though he has tinkered with a three-at-the-back formation, one he used many times in his early Defensa y Justicia days &#8211; when he first caught attention as an up and coming Argentinian manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beccacece packs his side with technically gifted players, but also keeps them compact and robust to ensure they don&#8217;t give up easy transitions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enner Valencia will lead the line, supported by the likes of Plata and Angulo, while Moises Caicedo runs the midfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The backline also has plenty of top-level experience in the likes of Estupinan, Piero Hincapie and Willian Pacho.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/ecuador\/\">Get the latest Ecuador World Cup goals, shots, tackle, assist stats are more here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ecuador manager analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hailing from Argentina, Sebastian Beccacece has been the Ecuador manager since August 2024. He&#8217;s proving very popular in Quito, losing just one of his 16 games in charge so far, while leading <em>La Tri<\/em> to famous results against his own home nation, Colombia and Brazil. Incredibly, Ecuador have conceded just four goals under his management, and only two competitively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior to managing Argentina, the 45-year-old has been in the dugout for Elche in Spain, Universidad in Chile, and various jobs in his homeland; most notably Racing Club and Independiente. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Coach<\/th><th>Team<\/th><th>P<\/th><th>W<\/th><th>D<\/th><th>L<\/th><th>GF<\/th><th>GA<\/th><th>Win %<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Sebastian Beccacece<\/td><td>Ecuador<\/td><td>18<\/td><td>6<\/td><td>10<\/td><td>2<\/td><td>13<\/td><td>5<\/td><td>33.33%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ecuador World Cup FAQs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Have Ecuador ever won the World Cup?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ecuador have never won the World Cup. Their best performance so far was reaching the round of 16 in 2006. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where did Ecuador finish in the last World Cup?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ecuador exited in the group stage at Qatar 2022, but needed just one more goal to progress to the knockout rounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who will be the Ecuador captain at the World Cup?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enner Valencia will captain Ecuador at the World Cup, as long as he stays fit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who is Ecuador&#8217;s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Enner Valencia is Ecuador&#8217;s all-time top scorer at World Cups, with six goals in total.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/world-cup-2026-betting-tips-predictions\/\"><strong>World Cup predictions &amp; tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/world-cup-outright-odds\/\"><strong>World Cup outright odds <\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup-2026-fixtures-results\/\"><b>World Cup fixtures &amp; results<\/b><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/world-cup-2026-betting-offers\/\"><b>World Cup free bets<\/b><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-articles-list\">\n                    <h2 class=\"sq-heading-line\">Latest News<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"sq-cards\">\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/premier-league-net-spend-2026-27\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2024\/05\/09112132\/1295444_1295444_premier-league-flag-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2024\/05\/09112132\/1295444_1295444_premier-league-flag-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2024\/05\/09112132\/1295444_1295444_premier-league-flag-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2024\/05\/09112132\/1295444_1295444_premier-league-flag-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/premier-league-net-spend-2026-27\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Premier League clubs ranked by net spend | 2026\/27 transfer windows                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/squawkanews\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Squawka News                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">10 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/championship-playoffs-changed\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/14160526\/HullCity14082026_ID3EH9T4F-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Explained: The change to the 2026\/27 Championship play-offs\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/championship-playoffs-changed\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Explained: The change to the 2026\/27 Championship play-offs                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 day ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/deportivo-la-coruna-vs-elche-predictions-betting-tips-17-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/14105912\/match_preview-la-liga-2-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/deportivo-la-coruna-vs-elche-predictions-betting-tips-17-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Deportivo vs Elche predictions and betting tips: Tight opener on Depor&#8217;s big night                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/lukeh\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Luke Hamilton                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/deportivo-alaves-vs-getafe-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/14103954\/match_preview-la-liga-1-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/deportivo-alaves-vs-getafe-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Alaves vs Getafe predictions and betting tips: Low-scoring grind on the cards                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/lukeh\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Luke Hamilton                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/sevilla-vs-rayo-vallecano-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/14103648\/match_preview-la-liga-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/sevilla-vs-rayo-vallecano-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano predictions and betting tips: Visitors favoured in tight opener                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/lukeh\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Luke Hamilton                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/racing-santander-vs-villarreal-predictions-betting-tips-16-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/14093732\/match_preview-la-liga-1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/racing-santander-vs-villarreal-predictions-betting-tips-16-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Racing Santander vs Villarreal predictions and betting tips: Yellow Submarine to sink promoted hosts                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/espanyol-vs-levante-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/14091936\/match_preview-la-liga-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/espanyol-vs-levante-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Espanyol vs Levante predictions and betting tips: Hosts to edge a cagey opener                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-community-shield-predictions-betting-tips-16-08-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/14090732\/match_preview-premier-league-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/arsenal-vs-manchester-city-community-shield-predictions-betting-tips-16-08-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Arsenal vs Manchester City predictions and betting tips: Season curtain-raiser should bring plenty of excitement                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/ipswich-town-premier-league-26-27-preview\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/01141855\/Ipswich010826_ID3F4P2XR-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/ipswich-town-premier-league-26-27-preview\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Ipswich Town 2026\/27 Premier League: Opening fixtures, key players and predicted lineup                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/jackkitson\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Jack Kitson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/plymouth-vs-stockport-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/13205438\/match_preview-championship-28-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/plymouth-vs-stockport-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Plymouth Argyle vs Stockport County predictions and betting tips: Goals backed at Home Park                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/mansfield-vs-doncaster-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/13204427\/match_preview-championship-27-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/mansfield-vs-doncaster-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Mansfield Town vs Doncaster Rovers predictions and betting tips: Stags to edge goal-friendly opener                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/leyton-orient-vs-sheffield-wednesday-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/13203345\/match_preview-championship-26-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/leyton-orient-vs-sheffield-wednesday-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Leyton Orient vs Sheffield Wednesday predictions and betting tips: Owls fancied on the road                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/huddersfield-vs-wimbledon-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/13201945\/match_preview-championship-25-1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/huddersfield-vs-wimbledon-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Huddersfield Town vs AFC Wimbledon predictions and betting tips: Terriers to start with a win                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/cambridge-united-vs-wigan-athletic-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/13165318\/match_preview-championship-9-1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/cambridge-united-vs-wigan-athletic-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Cambridge United vs Wigan Athletic predictions and betting tips: U&#8217;s to grind out a tight win                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/anton\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Anthony Eadson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/burton-albion-vs-stevenage-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/13163833\/match_preview-championship-8-1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/burton-albion-vs-stevenage-predictions-betting-tips-15-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Burton Albion vs Stevenage predictions and betting tips: Cagey opener expected at the Pirelli                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/anton\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Anthony Eadson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/blackpool-vs-wycombe-predictions-betting-tips-15-8-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/13162656\/match_preview-championship-7-1-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">News<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/blackpool-vs-wycombe-predictions-betting-tips-15-8-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Blackpool vs Wycombe predictions and betting tips: Stalemate specialists meet again                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/anton\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Anthony Eadson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ecuador saw their World Cup dreams dashed in the Round of 32 after a 2-0 loss to Mexico. Beccacece&#8217;s side arrived in North America with genuine knockout ambitions, only to stumble badly in their opening two group fixtures. A 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast and a goalless draw with Curacao left them staring at an&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":370,"featured_media":1463452,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"ecuador route to the final","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Everything you need to know about Ecuador and their potential route to the final at World Cup 2026 after they qualified from Group E.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"news-category":[27626],"class_list":["post-1450038","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","news-category-world-cup"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Ecuador World Cup 2026: Route to the final, next match and tactical analysis | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about Ecuador and their potential route to the final at World Cup 2026 after they qualified from Group E.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ecuador World Cup 2026: Route to the final, next match and tactical analysis\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about Ecuador and their potential route to the final at World Cup 2026 after they qualified from Group E.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Squawka | EN\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SquawkaFootballNews\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-01T09:18:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/25232331\/Ecuador250626_ID3EW72JJ-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1706\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@squawka\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Dean Smith\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/27e14553a32daeaae7ea51b0b8112bd2\"},\"headline\":\"Ecuador World Cup 2026: Route to the final, next match and tactical analysis\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-01T09:18:23+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-01T09:18:25+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":990,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/media.squawka.com\\\/images\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/25232331\\\/Ecuador250626_ID3EW72JJ-scaled.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/\",\"name\":\"Ecuador World Cup 2026: Route to the final, next match and tactical analysis | Squawka | EN\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/media.squawka.com\\\/images\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/25232331\\\/Ecuador250626_ID3EW72JJ-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-01T09:18:23+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-01T09:18:25+00:00\",\"description\":\"Everything you need to know about Ecuador and their potential route to the final at World Cup 2026 after they qualified from Group E.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/media.squawka.com\\\/images\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/25232331\\\/Ecuador250626_ID3EW72JJ-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/media.squawka.com\\\/images\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/25232331\\\/Ecuador250626_ID3EW72JJ-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1706,\"caption\":\"3EW72JJ Gonzalo Plata of Ecuador celebrates with teammates after scoring his teams second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Ecuador and Germany at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 25, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Marcel ter Bals\\\/DeFodi Images)\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Squawka\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"News\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Ecuador World Cup 2026: Route to the final, next match and tactical analysis\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/\",\"name\":\"Squawka | EN\",\"description\":\"Football News, Stats, and More...\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/27e14553a32daeaae7ea51b0b8112bd2\",\"name\":\"Dean Smith\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5421667918b87ed9967c3019e4e20dcd90877da0a7b4582180da7defffaa988a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5421667918b87ed9967c3019e4e20dcd90877da0a7b4582180da7defffaa988a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/5421667918b87ed9967c3019e4e20dcd90877da0a7b4582180da7defffaa988a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Dean Smith\"},\"description\":\"With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Dean Smith is a seasoned football writer with a background in betting having previously worked on FootballTips and BettingPro among other sites. He is a supporter of Rochdale AFC and also a keen follower of cricket and basketball.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/SquawkaDean\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/author\\\/deansmith\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Ecuador World Cup 2026: Route to the final, next match and tactical analysis | Squawka | EN","description":"Everything you need to know about Ecuador and their potential route to the final at World Cup 2026 after they qualified from Group E.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Ecuador World Cup 2026: Route to the final, next match and tactical analysis","og_description":"Everything you need to know about Ecuador and their potential route to the final at World Cup 2026 after they qualified from Group E.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/","og_site_name":"Squawka | EN","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SquawkaFootballNews\/","article_modified_time":"2026-07-01T09:18:25+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1706,"url":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/25232331\/Ecuador250626_ID3EW72JJ-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@squawka","twitter_misc":{"Estimated reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/"},"author":{"name":"Dean Smith","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/27e14553a32daeaae7ea51b0b8112bd2"},"headline":"Ecuador World Cup 2026: Route to the final, next match and tactical analysis","datePublished":"2026-07-01T09:18:23+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-01T09:18:25+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/"},"wordCount":990,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/25232331\/Ecuador250626_ID3EW72JJ-scaled.jpg","inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/","url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/","name":"Ecuador World Cup 2026: Route to the final, next match and tactical analysis | Squawka | EN","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/25232331\/Ecuador250626_ID3EW72JJ-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2026-07-01T09:18:23+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-01T09:18:25+00:00","description":"Everything you need to know about Ecuador and their potential route to the final at World Cup 2026 after they qualified from Group E.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/25232331\/Ecuador250626_ID3EW72JJ-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/25232331\/Ecuador250626_ID3EW72JJ-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1706,"caption":"3EW72JJ Gonzalo Plata of Ecuador celebrates with teammates after scoring his teams second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Ecuador and Germany at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 25, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Marcel ter Bals\/DeFodi Images)"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/ecuador-world-cup-2026-route-to-the-final\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Squawka","item":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Ecuador World Cup 2026: Route to the final, next match and tactical analysis"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/","name":"Squawka | EN","description":"Football News, Stats, and More...","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/27e14553a32daeaae7ea51b0b8112bd2","name":"Dean Smith","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5421667918b87ed9967c3019e4e20dcd90877da0a7b4582180da7defffaa988a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5421667918b87ed9967c3019e4e20dcd90877da0a7b4582180da7defffaa988a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5421667918b87ed9967c3019e4e20dcd90877da0a7b4582180da7defffaa988a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Dean Smith"},"description":"With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Dean Smith is a seasoned football writer with a background in betting having previously worked on FootballTips and BettingPro among other sites. He is a supporter of Rochdale AFC and also a keen follower of cricket and basketball.","sameAs":["https:\/\/x.com\/SquawkaDean"],"url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/deansmith\/"}]}},"yoast_title":"","yoast_description":"Everything you need to know about Ecuador and their potential route to the final at World Cup 2026 after they qualified from Group E.","yoast_keyword":"ecuador route to the final","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/1450038","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/370"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/1450038\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1465366,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/1450038\/revisions\/1465366"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1463452"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1450038"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1450038"},{"taxonomy":"news-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-category?post=1450038"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}