Ecuador turned Quito’s thin air into one of qualifying’s great fortresses and have reached the World Cup knockout stage. A youthful, energetic side keeps them on the rise.

The road ahead

Group game 1 · Sun 14 June

at Côte d'Ivoire0–1 L

Group game 2 · Sat 20 June

vs Curaçao0–0 D

Group game 3 · Thu 25 June

vs Germany2–1 W

Three group games are guaranteed; the knockout steps unlock as the team advances.