World Cup 2022 Team Preview - Ecuador

Ecuador's odds to win the World Cup

150/1

Best World Cup

Second round 2006 

2018 World Cup

Did not qualify

Ecuador's World Cup Schedule

• Read a full Group A summary here

Road to Qatar

Ecuador prevailed from the long-winded CONMEBOL qualifying process, winning seven and drawing five of their eighteen qualifying games. Notable successes saw them thrash Colombia 6-1 at home and win 2-0 in Chile, while hard-fought home draws with Brazil and Argentina were equally vital in helping Ecuador clinch the fourth automatic qualifying spot, just two points clear of Peru, who would go on to lose their playoff against Australia.

Recent form

Ecuador have lost just one of their last 14 outings, and five straight clean sheets in five friendlies since qualifying suggests where their strengths and mindset lie. At the same time they have only scored twice in those games (beating Nigeria and Cabo Verde by the same 1-0 scoreline), while goalless draws with Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Japan proves they will be no pushovers in Qatar.

Ecuador World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Moises Ramirez (Independiente del Valle), Alexander Dominguez (LDU Quito), Hernan Galindez (Aucas).

Defenders: Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen), Robert Arboleda (Sao Paulo), Pervis Estupinan (Brighton), Angelo Preciado (Genk), Jackson Porozo (Troyes), Xavier Arreaga (Seattle Sounders), Diego Palacios (LA FC), Felix Torres (Santos Laguna), William Pacho (Antwerp).

Midfielders: Carlos Gruezo (Augsburg), Jose Cifuente (LA FC), Alan Franco (Talleres), Moises Caicedo (Brighton), Angel Mena (Club Leon), Jeremy Sarmiento (Brighton), Jhegson Méndez (LA FC), Ayrton Preciado (Santos Laguna), Gonzalo Plata (Real Valladolid), Romario Ibarra (Santos Laguna).

Forwards: Djorkaeff Reasco (Newell's Old Boys), Kevin Rodriguez (Imbabura), Michael Estrada (Cruz Azul), Enner Valencia (Fenerbahce).

Team insights

Probable formation: 4-2-3-1 Although ostensibly lining up 4-3-3, Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro tends to follow the popular international trend (eg England and Harry Kane) of playing three mobile attacking midfielders behind a willing and adaptable front man. Only high-flying Brazil and Argentina conceded fewer than Ecuador's 19 goals in 18 qualifying games, while their subsequent friendlies have reinforced how difficult they are to break down. Much is likely to rest on the shoulders of Michael Estrada up top after his six goals made Ecuador's top scorer in qualifying, but they won't be short of top-tier company all over the field. He is likely to be joined up front by captain Enner Valencia, who is now at Fenerbahce after a spell with West Ham United, while young Moises Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento are also plying their trade in the English Premier League at Brighton. Another youngster, Gonzalo Plato, has already made an impact in La Liga with Real Valladolid and could further enhance his growing reputation with an impressive showing in Qatar.

World Cup Prospects

Qualification from their tough group will be a major achievement for Ecuador, but if they can put three early points on the board in the tournament opener against Qatar, then they will have something to play for in their subsequent games. One drawn point against the loser of Senegal's first game with the Netherlands might then see them reach the knock-out stage, but even if that happens, it's difficult to see the Ecuadorians progressing beyond the next round. Best hope: Last 16, if others slip up

Read more about each of Ecuador's Group A opponents:

Senegal, Netherlands, Qatar