The countdown to the Tri already has dates
Ecuador already knows what its farewell will be like before jumping onto the big stage. This Tuesday the last two preparation matches for the 2026 World Cup were confirmed. They will be against Saudi Arabia and Guatemala, both on American soil.
One last adjustment at the rival’s house. The matches will be played in the United States, the same country that will host the group stage of the tournament. It is a key opportunity to adapt.
The first match will be on May 30 against Saudi Arabia in Harrison, New Jersey. Then, on June 7, La Tri will face Guatemala in Columbus, Ohio.
Columbus will be the headquarters of Ecuador’s base camp during the World Cup. More than friendlies, they are general rehearsals on the playing field.
Beccacece trusts the process
The Argentine coach, Sebastián Beccacece, is clear about the objective. In his last press conference he made the group’s mentality clear.
“We show prominence and that we can compete with great powers,” said Beccacece. And he added: > “The idea is to prepare ourselves in the best way.”
His words come after two valuable draws against Morocco and the Netherlands in March. La Tri showed character, but now they need to convert that solidity into victories.
Therein lies the pending challenge: effectiveness. The fans experience with concern a chronic lack of goals. In the last 11 matches, between officials and friendlies, Ecuador has only achieved two wins.
These two games are the last call to sharpen their aim before Group E of the World Cup, where Germany, Ivory Coast and Curacao await them.
The path is marked. All that remains is to work.
