Ecuador beat Guatemala as Beccacece keeps powder dry

Ecuador cruise past Guatemala in final World Cup tune-up

Your team heads into the 2026 World Cup with momentum. Ecuador beat Guatemala comfortably in their last friendly before the tournament, a match that served as a full squad rotation exercise for manager Sebastián Beccacece.

Beccacece used the game to give significant minutes to players unlikely to start the World Cup opener, keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the Ivory Coast clash. VfB Stuttgart midfielder Arevalo caught the eye when he rattled the woodwork, showing the depth Ecuador have in midfield.

Beccacece keeping tactics under wraps

The performance confirmed Ecuador are gaining steam at the right time, but Beccacece surprised observers with his tactical approach. It looks like he held a few strategic ideas in reserve for the group stage.

Expect the strongest starting eleven to emerge when Ecuador face Ivory Coast in their opening match. The friendly was a proving ground for the squad's depth, not a rehearsal for the first-choice lineup.

All eyes on Ivory Coast

With the warm-up now behind you, full focus shifts to a tough group stage opener. Ivory Coast present a serious challenge, and Beccacece has a few days to finalize his plan and settle on the eleven that will carry Ecuador's hopes into the tournament.