Ecuador's Preparations for the 2026 World Cup
The Ecuadorian National Football Team has officially announced its squad for a mini tour in Europe during the FIFA dates, where they will face Morocco and the Netherlands. These matches are crucial as they serve as preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Coach Sebastián Beccacece has named a roster of 34 players who will travel to the Old Continent, featuring notable names such as Enner Valencia, the striker from Pachuca, who is eager to secure his place for the summer tournament in North America.
This roster is highlighted by talented players including Angelo Preciado, Félix Torres, Piero Hincapié, Willian Pacho, Jackson Porozo, Pedro Vite, Alan Minda, and Nilson Angulo. Following the conclusion of the 12th matchday in the domestic league, Pachuca confirmed that Valencia will join the national team immediately after the game.
“The Ecuadorian National Team has called upon the Pachuca forward, Enner Valencia, who will report to ‘La Tri’ after his duties in the 12th matchday to prepare for the friendly matches against Morocco and the Netherlands,” the club stated. Valencia has made history as Ecuador's all-time leading scorer in World Cup tournaments, having netted his first goal against Qatar during the opening match, surpassing the previous record held by Agustín Delgado.
Valencia has amassed six World Cup goals, eclipsing Delgado's total of three. Additionally, he holds the record for the most goals scored in the history of ‘La Tri’ with a remarkable total of 46. As Pachuca gears up to face Toluca in one of the most significant matches of the 12th matchday, both teams are positioned at the upper end of the standings, vying for a spot in the Liguilla for the 2026 Clausura tournament.
Pachuca approaches this critical match following a recent draw with Atlético San Luis. The encounter, which promised to be closely contested, lived up to expectations, with the potosinos performing better in the first half, while the Tuzos found their rhythm in the second half. Ultimately, the formidable Pachuca forward line, consisting of Enner Valencia, Luis Quiñones, Víctor Guzmán, and Salomón Rondón, managed to score an equalizer in the dramatic 90th minute, although it was not enough for a heroic victory. Joao Pedro had initially given the home team the lead in the 43rd minute.
As reported by record.com.mx.
