Ecuador names Moisés Caicedo captain during 2026 World Cup

Veteran striker Enner Valencia, 36, officially handed the captain’s armband to Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo, 24, during Ecuador’s group‑stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The ceremony took place after Ecuador secured a 2‑1 win over Germany that guaranteed a place in the knockout round for the first time in two decades. Valencia said, “Brother, this armband is for you,” before the teammates embraced.

The change marks a generational shift for the South American side. Caicedo, who joined Chelsea for roughly £115 million, has already captained the team in a World Cup qualifier and now leads the squad into the round of 16 against host nation Mexico. Valencia, Ecuador’s all‑time leading scorer with 49 goals, had captained the team in the opening matches against Ivory Coast and Curaçao.