Ecuador coach Beccacece considers dropping Enner Valencia for World Cup round of 16

Ecuador head coach Sebastián Beccacece is weighing a change to the team's starting attack for the round‑of‑16 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After Ecuador's unbeaten group‑stage performance, he is deciding whether to keep veteran striker Enner Valencia in the lineup or replace him with forward Kevin Rodríguez or midfielder‑forward Jordy Caicedo. Valencia, who has scored 49 international goals and captained the side in two World Cups, has yet to find the net in the current tournament and recently handed the captain's armband to Moisés Caicedo. Beccacece cited the need to refresh the forward line after the physical demands of the group stage. Potential opponents for Ecuador in the knockout round include Mexico, England, Switzerland, Colombia or Portugal, with Mexico widely discussed as a likely rival. The decision will shape Ecuador's offensive balance as they aim to advance further in the competition.