Ecuador Dominates Guatemala 3-0 in Final World Cup Warm-up Match

Ecuador rounded off their FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations with a commanding 3-0 friendly win against Guatemala in Columbus, USA. The match served as the final tune-up for coach Sebastián Beccacece, who used the opportunity to experiment with his squad and manage player fatigue.

Jordy Caicedo opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a penalty. Nilson Angulo extended Ecuador's lead in the 73rd minute, and Pervis Estupiñán sealed the victory with a goal in the 77th minute. The team displayed a strong physical and technical game, particularly in the first half, with effective midfield play from Kendry Páez, Alan Minda, and Jeremy Arévalo.

Minda was a constant threat on the right wing, earning the penalty that Caicedo converted. He also created further scoring opportunities, demonstrating his attacking prowess. The Ecuadorian side dominated possession and created numerous chances, including shots that hit the post and were saved by the Guatemalan goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen.

In the second half, Beccacece made ten substitutions, prioritizing player recovery and tactical adjustments for their upcoming World Cup debut against Costa Rica. Only defender Jackson Porozo played the full ninety minutes. The goals from Angulo and Estupiñán came from players who had entered as substitutes, highlighting the squad's depth.