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. Ecuador qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making it the country's fifth World Cup appearance, and reached the Round of 32.

2002

Ecuador didn't make it out of Group G at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

2006

Ecuador finished second in Group A at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The team lost 0-1 to England in the Round of 16 of the competition.

2014

Ecuador didn't make it out of Group E at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

2022

Ecuador didn't make it out of Group A at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

2026

Ecuador qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and were drawn into Group E alongside Germany, Ivory Coast, and Curaçao. After a 1–0 opening loss to Ivory Coast and a goalless draw with debutants Curaçao, Ecuador needed a win in their final game and produced a stunning 2–1 comeback victory over group winners Germany.

Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata scored to help the team finish third on 4 points and advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Their run ended in the Round of 32 at the Estadio Azteca, where hosts Mexico won 0–2 to reach the last 16.

Date Result Opponent
14 June 0–1 Ivory Coast
20 June 0–0 Curaçao
25 June 2–1 Germany
30 June 0–2 Mexico (Round of 32)

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.