Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has been named in Ecuador’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the South American side prepares for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, the 23-year-old is one of Ecuador’s most important players and will feature at his second consecutive World Cup, having also been part of the national team at the previous edition.
Caicedo’s inclusion highlights Ecuador’s strong core of Europe-based players as they aim to make a deeper run in the competition this time around.
He is joined in the squad by Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie, who will also be making his second World Cup appearance. The defensive duo are expected to play key roles for Ecuador as they look to compete in a tough group.
Veteran striker and captain Enner Valencia has also been selected. The 36-year-old, Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer with 49 goals in 105 appearances, will be appearing at his third World Cup.
Sunderland forward Nilson Angulo has earned his first World Cup call-up following his January move from Anderlecht, adding fresh attacking options to the squad. Former Brighton defender Pervis Estupiñán, now with AC Milan, is also included, along with Chelsea teenager Kendry Páez, currently on loan at River Plate.
Ecuador will be hoping to improve on their best-ever World Cup performance, which came in 2006 when they reached the round of 16.
They have been drawn in Group E and will begin their campaign against Ivory Coast on June 15. They will then face Curaçao on June 21 before concluding their group matches against Germany at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 25.
Ecuador World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Hernan Galindez (Huracan), Moises Ramirez (Kifisia), Gonzalo Valle (LDU Quito).
Defenders: Piero Hincapie (Arsenal), Willian Pacho (Paris St-Germain), Pervis Estupinan (AC Milan), Felix Torres (Internacional), Joel Ordonez (Club Brugge), Jackson Porozo (Tijuana), Angelo Preciado (Atletico Mineiro).
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), Alan Franco (Atletico Mineiro), Kendry Paez (River Plate, on loan from Chelsea), Pedro Vite (UNAM), Jordy Alcivar (Independiente del Valle), Denil Castillo (Midtjylland), Yaimar Medina (Genk).
Forwards: Enner Valencia (Pachuca), Kevin Rodriguez (Union Saint-Gilloise), Jordy Caicedo (Huracan), Nilson Angulo (Sunderland), Anthony Valencia (Antwerp), Jeremy Arevalo (Stuttgart).