Ecuador finds itself in a tight spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a 0-0 draw against Curaçao on June 20, captain Enner Valencia and La Tri need a result against Germany to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Valencia, 36, started that match and will likely lead the line again. The striker has become Ecuador’s most decorated World Cup player, matching Édison Méndez for the most tournament appearances by an Ecuadorian. He’s scored in both the 2014 and 2022 editions, and his presence remains non-negotiable for a squad that struggled to convert chances against Curaçao.
A captain carrying a country’s hopes
Valencia contributed multiple goals during Ecuador’s qualifying campaign, helping the team reach its second consecutive World Cup. That’s a significant milestone for a footballing nation that went decades without qualifying for the tournament at all.
The Curaçao result, though, was a cold shower. A goalless draw against one of the group’s perceived weaker sides means Ecuador now faces Germany needing points rather than simply wanting them.
