May 30, 2026 - Ecuador vs. Saudi Arabia (Men’s Pre-World Cup Friendly)

Hours following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Arsenal, Ecuador defeated Saudi Arabia 2–1 in an international friendly at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The tune-up match served as a preparation fixture for both nations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with La Tri leaning on a pair of breakthrough international goals to secure the victory.

Ecuador opened the scoring in the 35th minute when defender Jackson Porozo rose above the Saudi backline to head home a 35-yard free kick delivered by John Yeboah, marking Porozo's first senior international goal. Early in the second half, La Tri doubled their advantage in the 51st minute. Yeboah recorded his second assist of the night by slipping a pass to Anthony Valencia, who curled a left-footed strike into the bottom-right corner for his first senior international goal.

Saudi Arabia controlled 58 percent of possession and managed to pull a goal back late in regulation when substitute Sultan Mandash struck from a tight angle in the 87th minute. Despite six minutes of added stoppage time, Ecuador's backline held firm to seal the 2–1 win.

Following an opening loss to Côte d'Ivoire and a stunning deadlock with tournament debutants Curaçao, Ecuador squeaked into the World Cup knockout stage thanks to a dramatic 2–1 upset of Germany in their Group E closer. Finishing third in the group, they ultimately bowed out in Mexico City after a 2–0 defeat to host nation Mexico. Saudi Arabia suffered a forgettable tournament, as they sat in the cellar of Group H after draws against Uruguay and Cabo Verde alongside a defeat to eventual champions Spain.