Ecuador defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1
HARRISON, N.J. (May 30. 2026) — The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) senior men’s national team defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 Saturday night in front of an energetic crowd at Sports Illustrated Stadium, concluding their primary North American preparation window ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Ecuador established early control of the tempo. In the 35th minute, defender Jackson Porozo opened the scoring, rising to meet a precise set-piece cross from John Yeboah to power home a header into the bottom left corner.
La Tri extended its advantage shortly after the interval. In the 51st minute, Anthony Valencia executed a clinical left-footed finish from the center of the box into the bottom right corner, capitalizing on a rapid attacking combination play orchestrated again by Yeboah.
Following heavy second-half roster rotations from both coaching staffs, Saudi Arabia intensified its offensive pressure. In the 87th minute, forward Sultan Mandash struck a powerful angled shot past Ecuadorian goalkeeper Moisés Ramírez to narrow the deficit to 2-1. Despite five minutes of added stoppage time, the Ecuadorian defense remained organized to hold firm until the final whistle.
“Tonight was an invaluable exercise in assessing our tactical intensity, discipline, and match fitness against a highly disciplined opponent,” said Ecuador Manager Sebastián Beccacece. “The domestic and MLS-based players stepped up significantly, giving our staff clear selection insights before we finalize and submit our official 26-man World Cup roster.”
Ecuador will travel directly to Columbus, Ohio, to face Guatemala on Sunday afternoon at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field for their final public exhibition match before opening their World Cup campaign against Ivory Coast on June 14. Saudi Arabia will continue its final US-based preparatory camp through June 11 ahead of their Group H opener.
Match Statistics:
Final Score: Ecuador 2, Saudi Arabia 1
Shots on Goal: Ecuador 6, Saudi Arabia 2
Total Shot Attempts: Ecuador 11, Saudi Arabia 12
Saves: Saudi Arabia (Mohammed Al Owais) 4, Ecuador (Moisés Ramírez)
