As Ecuador's national football team gears up for its final preparatory tour before the highly anticipated World Cup 2026, head coach Sebastián Beccacece appears to have settled on his starting lineup for the first friendly match in Europe. Scheduled for Friday, March 27, at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Ecuador will face Morocco at 15:15 Ecuador time, promising a clash filled with tactical and physical intensity.
With a squad of 34 players, Beccacece is focused on solidifying the team that will debut in the group stage of the World Cup against formidable opponents including Ivory Coast, Curacao, and Germany. However, the challenge posed by Morocco, the reigning African champions and recent semifinalists in the last World Cup, is significant and will serve as a crucial test for the Ecuadorian squad.
Despite some concerns regarding player fitness in the tricolor camp, the starting eleven is starting to take shape, blending experience and experimentation along the flanks. In goal, Hernán Galíndez continues to be the unquestionable guardian of the net. The central defense is expected to feature the solid pairing of Willian Pacho and the youthful Joel Ordóñez, while the surprise comes from the full-backs: Piero Hincapié is set to play on the left, with Alan Franco occupying the right side.
The midfield will be anchored by Moisés Caicedo and Pedro Vite, providing the necessary balance. On the right wing, John Yeboah is a lock for the starting position, while a vacancy arises on the left due to Nilson Angulo's injury, a spot that Pervis Estupiñán and Alan Minda are vying for. Up front, the attacking duo will consist of Gonzalo Plata, who brings creativity and flair, alongside the veteran Enner Valencia.
As Morocco arrives with their full roster of stars, Ecuador must be particularly cautious on the wings, where Achraf Hakimi from PSG and Noussair Mazraoui from Manchester United pose constant threats. Additionally, the control exerted by Brahim Díaz in the center and the sharp instincts of Hakim Ziyech will test the defensive maturity of Beccacece's tactical setup.
The projected lineup includes: Hernán Galíndez; Alan Franco, Willian Pacho, Joel Ordóñez, Piero Hincapié; Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Vite, John Yeboah, Alan Minda (or Pervis Estupiñán); Gonzalo Plata, and Enner Valencia.
As reported by expreso.ec.
