Ecuador's 2026 World Cup campaign got off to a losing start against Ivory Coast, with Pervis Estupinan watching from the bench as his side fell to a 1-0 defeat. The AC Milan left-back did not get a chance to make his World Cup debut, with Sebastian Beccacece opting for Hicanpié as his left-back instead. Estupinan's wait for World Cup action continues, having played in the 2022 tournament for Brighton.

The Ecuador team had their chances, with Yeboah, Minda, and Valencia all hitting the woodwork, but they were unable to find the breakthrough. Ivory Coast, on the other hand, secured a late win through Amed Diallo's goal in the 90th minute.

Estupinan will have to wait for his opportunity to make an impact in the World Cup, having already experienced the tournament in 2022. His side will look to bounce back from this defeat and secure a positive result in their next match.

The result was a surprise, given Ecuador's recent form, which had seen them go unbeaten since September 2024.