Ecuador at the World Cup
Ecuador's international football history was essentially nonexistent until 2002, when they participated in the 2002 World Cup finals for the first time in Korea and Japan, qualifying for the tournament before Brazil.
In 2002, Ecuador opened with two defeats to Italy and Mexico, before recording their first-ever victory in a FIFA World Cup against Croatia thanks to an Edison Mendez goal, thus proving that they were capable of success away from the high altitudes of their capital Quito.
Their best performance was at the 2006 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the Round of 16. The nation also qualified for the 2014 and 2022 World Cup but did not pass the Group stage.
Trivia
- In 2006, Ecuadorean shaman Tzamarenda Naychapi was allowed to ‘purify’ all of the German stadiums by letting out a loud scream to chase away evil spirits. Whether it worked is not clear. Ecuador made it through the group stage, but went on to lose to England in the Round of 16.
Related Pages
- About the women's team from Ecuador at the FIFA Women's World Cup
- List of all countries who have participated in the World Cup
- FIFA World Cup Home
- About Sport in Ecuador
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