Ecuador to face Japan in Kirin Cup 2026

Ecuador is set to face Japan in the Kirin Cup 2026 on Thursday, October 1, at the Yokohama International Stadium. This marks the first time in 31 years that the Ecuadorian national team has participated in this tournament.

Following a 3-0 loss to South Korea, coach Marcelo Gallardo expressed that the defeat should serve as a motivation for recovery. The team will have six days of training in Japan to prepare for the match. The 2026 edition of the Kirin Cup features four teams: Japan, Ecuador, Panama, and New Zealand. The tournament follows a knockout format, starting with semifinals and concluding with a final and a third-place playoff on October 5.