Ambassador: Ecuador Optimistic Ahead of 2026 World Cup

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Ecuador will take on Ivory Coast in its first match of the 2026 World Cup on June 15 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known as La Tri, Ecuador is competing in its fifth World Cup this year.

In a recent episode of Voice of Indonesia's World Cup program, Deep Talk: Soccer Fiesta!, Ambassador of Ecuador to Indonesia, Luis Arellano Jibaja, expressed optimism about Ecuador's performance in the 2026 World Cup.

"All countries play with 11 players, the same as Ecuador. We don't have an advantage, I only have the optimism and the resilience in order to do the best in this World International Cup," he said.

When asked about who will lead Ecuador in this World Cup, the Ambassador said all players represented Ecuador. "It's impossible to say who leads. In my opinion all players represent Ecuador like one and I'm sure this is why Ecuador we have identity and we hope Ecuador could reflect these feelings during the match we have next days," he conveyed.

Ambassador Jibaja added that Ecuador had good players with different mentality and resilience. They play in leagues across Europe, South America and the United States.

All Ecuadorians, including those living in the three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—are ready to support the national football team. To ensure the squad is fully prepared for the challenge ahead, the Ecuadorian Football Federation provides players with top-quality facilities, medical treatment, proper nutrition, and psychological support.

Ecuador has been drawn into Group E of the tournament, where they will face Germany, Ivory Coast, and Curaçao. Led by head coach Sebastian Beccacece, Ecuador will compete in the biggest-ever World Cup, featuring an expanded field of 48 teams and 104 matches over the 39-day tournament.