Caicedo Headlines Ecuador’s 2026 World Cup Squad

Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo has been selected for Ecuador’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, as the South American nation gears up for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

At 23, Caicedo is a cornerstone of La Tri’s lineup and will play in his second straight World Cup, having also featured in the previous edition. His presence underscores the strength of Ecuador’s European-based core as they aim to surpass their previous best showing.

Joining him is Arsenal defender Piero Hincapié, another two-time World Cup participant. The pair are expected to anchor a defence tasked with navigating a challenging group.

Captain Enner Valencia, the 36-year-old veteran and Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer with 49 goals in 105 appearances, returns for his third World Cup. Sunderland forward Nilson Ángulo earned his first senior World Cup call-up following his January move from Anderlecht, adding fresh firepower. AC Milan’s Pervis Estupiñán (formerly of Brighton) and Chelsea teenager Kendry Páez — currently on loan at River Plate — also make the cut.

Ecuador’s best World Cup performance came in 2006 when they reached the round of 16, and they’ll hope to improve on that this summer. Drawn into Group E, they open against Ivory Coast on June 15, then face Curaçao on June 21, before wrapping up group play against Germany at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 25.

Full Ecuador Squad:

Goalkeepers: Hernán Galíndez (Huracán), Moisés Ramírez (Kifisia), Gonzalo Valle (LDU Quito)

Defenders: Piero Hincapié (Arsenal), Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain), Pervis Estupiñán (AC Milan), Félix Torres (Internacional), Joel Ordóñez (Club Brugge), Jackson Porozo (Tijuana), Angelo Preciado (Atlético Mineiro)

Midfielders: Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea), Alan Franco (Atlético Mineiro), Kendry Páez (River Plate – on loan from Chelsea), Pedro Vite (UNAM), Jordy Alcívar (Independiente del Valle), Denil Castillo (Midtjylland), Yaimar Medina (Genk)

Forwards: Enner Valencia (Pachuca), Kevin Rodríguez (Union Saint-Gilloise), Jordy Caicedo (Huracán), Nilson Ángulo (Sunderland), Anthony Valencia (Antwerp), Jeremy Arévalo (Stuttgart)