Ecuador will be looking to leave a lasting impression at the 2024 Copa America as they are set to make their 30th appearance at the tournament.
Former AFC Asian Cup winner with Qatar, Felix Sanchez Bas was appointed as the head coach of La Tri in March 2023. The Spanish gaffer has garnered a W3 D2 L1 record at the World Cup 2026 qualifiers so far.
Drawn alongside Mexico, Venezuela and Jamaica for the upcoming Copa tournament, Ecuador will play preparatory international friendly games against Argentina, Bolivia and Honduras on June 10, 13 and 17, respectively.
GOAL takes a look at Sanchez’s 26-man final Copa America squad announced on May 29.
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GOALKEEPERS
LDU Quito goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez is likely to be the first-choice goalkeeper, with Huracan’s Hernan Galindez as the second-choice in goal.
Independiente de Valle’s Moises Ramirez was eventually picked over Barcelona SC’s Javier Burrai as the third choice.
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Alexander Dominguez | LDU Quito |
| Hernan Galindez | Huracan |
| Moises Ramirez | Barcelona SC |
DEFENDERS
Despite Pervis Estupinan not making the cut, Sanchez has several natural full-backs in Angelo Preciado, Piero Hincapie and Jose Hurtado, with Hincapie also capable of playing as a centre-back especially when there are three at the back.
At the same time, Preciado can double up as a right winger, with Felix Torres and Willian Pacho making the main centre-back options.
Meanwhile, the uncapped duo of Andres Micolta and Layan Loor have made the final squad ahead of Sao Paulo’s Robert Arboleda.
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Andres Micolta | Pachuca |
| Angelo Preciado | Sparta Prague |
| Felix Torres | Corinthians |
| Jackson Porozo | Kasimpasa |
| Joel Ordonez | Club Brugge |
| Jose Hurtado | Red Bull Bragantino |
| Layan Loor | Universidad Catolica |
| Piero Hincapie | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Willian Pacho | Eintracht Frankfurt |
MIDFIELDERS
The midfield has experienced campaigners such as Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, Carlos Gruezo of San Jose Earthquakes and Alan Franco of Atletico Mineiro.
Teenage sensation Kendry Paez has become an emerging option on the right side, giving veteran Angel Mena a run for his money, while Janner Corozo has been picked over Al-Sadd’s Gonzalo Plata alongside the likes of Jose Cifuentes and Jeremy Sarmiento.
Alan Minda, Joao Ortiz and John Yeboah complete the list of midfielders.
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Angel Mena | Leon |
| Alan Franco | Atletico Mineiro |
| Alan Minda | Cercle Brugge |
| Carlos Gruezo | San Jose Earthquakes |
| Janner Corozo | Barcelona SC |
| Jeremy Sarmiento | Ipswich Town |
| Joao Ortiz | Independiente del Valle |
| John Yeboah | Rakow Czestochowa |
| Jose Cifuentes | Cruzeiro |
| Kendry Paez | Independiente del Valle |
| Moises Caicedo | Chelsea |
FORWARDS
Internacional’s Enner Valencia will be the frontrunner to start in attack, with Jordy Obano and Kevin Rodriguez making the final cut, while Barcelona SC’s Allen Obano has been left out.
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Enner Valencia | Internacional |
| Jordy Caicedo | Atlas |
| Kevin Rodriguez | Union SG |
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EXPECTED XI
Sanchez may opt for a 3-4-3 formation with Alexander Dominguez in goal.
Felix Torres, Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapie are expected to constitute the three-man backline, with Joao Ortiz and Alan Minda running down the flanks.
While Carlos Gruezo and Moises Caicedo are deployed in the engine room, Enner Valencia would lead the line of attack alongside John Yeboah and Jeremy Sarmiento.
