Ecuador Kicks Off European Tour Ahead of 2026 World Cup
The Ecuadorian national football team is gearing up for an important European tour as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under the guidance of head coach Sebastián Beccacece, La Tricolor will be based in Madrid, Spain, where they will refine their tactical approach and finalize the selection of players for the World Cup squad, which will comprise 26 athletes. The coaching staff arrived in Madrid on March 19, 2026, ensuring every detail is meticulously arranged for the team's preparations.
The final squad of 34 players is set to gather in Madrid on March 23, 2026, where they will utilize the Leganés sports complex for training and the NH Collection hotel as their main accommodation. Among the players joining the national team are goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez, defenders Jackson Porozo and Leo Realpe, midfielder Jordy Alcívar, and forwards John Mercado and Jordy Caicedo, who began training with the squad on March 22.
Upcoming Matches and Squad Selection Strategy
Before facing Morocco on March 27, 2026, at the Metropolitano Stadium, Ecuador will conduct three training sessions from March 24 to March 26. After the friendly match, the team will have a short break in Madrid, culminating in a final practice session on March 29, before heading to Amsterdam on March 30, where they will take on the Netherlands on March 31.
Coach Beccacece has made headlines with his decision to summon 34 players for this series of friendlies, a strategy that aligns with discussions held with Francisco Egas, the president of the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF). 'We agreed to bring three players per position for these friendlies to evaluate them closely,' stated the Argentine coach. Despite the extensive roster, Beccacece has indicated that the core of the team is already in place, with nearly 20 established players, while the remaining six spots will be determined by May 2026.
Star players such as Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, Willian Pacho, and Enner Valencia have secured their positions in the squad, which must be finalized by June 1. A major focus during training will be on set pieces, as statistics show that nearly 30% of La Tri's goals have come from this aspect of play. 'Improving this percentage and continuing our evolution will significantly enhance the team's quality as we head into the World Cup,' emphasized Beccacece, whose team is part of Group E alongside Germany, Ivory Coast, and Curaçao.
Seventeen-year-old forward Elías Legendre, currently with Rennes in France, has been called up to replace Leonardo Campana, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Legendre, who has previously played two matches with France's U-17 team, shone in the 2025 South American U-17 Championship with Ecuador. His inclusion in the senior squad comes after Campana suffered an injury during a match with New England Revolution in the MLS on March 22, where he played only 18 minutes before leaving the field in tears.
As reported by expreso.ec.
