Havana, June 14 (RHC) – Ecuador will begin its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup today against Ivory Coast, in an atmosphere of national enthusiasm that has mobilized football fans in the country.
Giant screens were set up in public spaces in cities like Guayaquil and Cuenca to watch the match being played in Philadelphia, USA, while bars and restaurants prepared special broadcasts to accompany La Tri’s debut.
With this Sunday’s match, Ecuador will begin its fifth consecutive World Cup appearance.
The team, coached this year by Argentine Sebastián Beccacece, arrives at the tournament with a 19-match unbeaten streak and after finishing second in the South American qualifiers, only behind Argentina.
Ecuador’s last defeat was in September 2014 against Peru, and they conceded just five goals in the 18 qualifying matches.
Players like Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié, and Moisés Caicedo stand out, considered leaders of a generation playing for international clubs.
Although defensive strength has been one of the team’s main virtues, Ecuador will look to improve its offensive output under the leadership of Enner Valencia, the team’s all-time leading scorer, who will be playing in his third World Cup.
Sports analysts believe that the match between Ecuador and Ivory Coast could be decisive in the fight for a spot in the next round, as Germany is considered the favorite to top Group E of the World Cup.
The anticipation surrounding the opening match has also boosted commercial activity in Ecuador, with increased demand for jerseys, caps, and other items related to the national team.
The National Customs Service reported this Saturday the seizure of a shipment of counterfeit Ecuadorian national team jerseys that were attempting to enter the local market illegally, amidst the increased demand for official apparel.
The match between Ecuador and Ivory Coast is scheduled for 6:00 PM (local time) and will be watched by millions of fans across the country.
