Dylan Krain·14 June 2026

A golden generation? Ecuador's starting XI makes national team history 🇪🇨

Headlined by Arsenal's Piero Hincapié, PSG's Willian Pacho, and Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo, Ecuador's 'golden generation' has flown slightly under the radar.

The South American side finished second in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, above the likes of Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay.

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And now, entering their fifth FIFA World Cup, this Ecuadorian team has reached yet another milestone.

For the first time in their World Cup history, Ecuador's starting lineup vs Côte d'Ivoire did not include a single player who features at club level at home in Ecuador.

Instead, La Tri will open their World Cup account with a team featuring some of European football's top talent.

1 - Por primera vez en su historia en los Mundiales, la selección de Ecuador tiene un XI inicial compuesto por jugadores que no militan en el futbol ecuatoriano. Distinto. – Sunday, 14 June 2026

How do you think Ecuador's golden generation will perform this summer?

Let us know in the comments!

📸 CHARLY TRIBALLEAU - AFP or licensors

  • Chelsea
  • Arsenal
  • PSG
  • Ecuador
  • FIFA World Cup™
  • CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying
  • Piero Hincapié
  • Willian Pacho
  • Moisés Caicedo

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Source: Onefootball.com