In their first FIFA World Cup match, Ecuador were defeated 0-1 by Côte d'Ivoire, ending their 19-match unbeaten streak!
Since their 0-1 away loss to Brazil in September 2024, Ecuador had gone 19 consecutive matches unbeaten, recording 8 wins and 11 draws, a streak now ended by Côte d'Ivoire.
In their last 19 matches, Ecuador kept 13 clean sheets and conceded only 6 goals. With strong players from top clubs such as Caicedo, Hincapie, and Pacho, Ecuador conceded only 5 goals in 18 matches in the South American qualifiers. However, in their crucial first FIFA World Cup match, they suffered a 0-1 defeat.
In the next round, Ecuador will face Curaçao, who suffered a crushing 1-7 defeat to Germany in their opening match.