Sunderland forward Nilson Angulo has been named in Ecuador's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The 22-year-old joined Sunderland from Anderlecht in the January transfer window and holds 12 international caps. The tournament will mark his first World Cup appearance.

Premier League stars lead Ecuador's call-up

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo and Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie are also included in the squad — both set to compete at a second consecutive World Cup.

Veteran forward Enner Valencia, who has previously represented West Ham and Everton, rounds out the experienced contingent. Now 36, Valencia captains the national side and stands as Ecuador's all-time leading scorer with 49 goals in 105 appearances. The tournament in North America will be his third World Cup.

Former Brighton defender Pervis Estupinan, currently at AC Milan, has also earned a place in the squad. Chelsea teenager Kendry Paez — spending this season on loan at River Plate — completes a group rich in European pedigree.

Group E campaign begins against Ivory Coast

Ecuador are drawn in Group E and will open their World Cup campaign against Ivory Coast on 15 June. They follow that up with a match against Curacao on 21 June before closing out the group stage against Germany at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 25 June.

Ecuador's best-ever World Cup showing was a round-of-16 exit in 2006, and head coach will be hoping this squad — packed with Premier League talent and veteran leadership — can surpass that benchmark.

Ecuador's full World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Hernan Galindez (Huracan), Moises Ramirez (Kifisia), Gonzalo Valle (LDU Quito).

Defenders: Piero Hincapie (Arsenal), Willian Pacho (Paris St-Germain), Pervis Estupinan (AC Milan), Felix Torres (Internacional), Joel Ordonez (Club Brugge), Jackson Porozo (Tijuana), Angelo Preciado (Atletico Mineiro).

Midfielders: Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), Alan Franco (Atletico Mineiro), Kendry Paez (River Plate, on loan from Chelsea), Pedro Vite (UNAM), Jordy Alcivar (Independiente del Valle), Denil Castillo (Midtjylland), Yaimar Medina (Genk).

Forwards: Enner Valencia (Pachuca), Kevin Rodriguez (Union Saint-Gilloise), Jordy Caicedo (Huracan), Nilson Angulo (Sunderland), Anthony Valencia (Antwerp), Jeremy Arevalo (Stuttgart).