Ecuador secures a berth in World Cup competition following another scoreless draw, this time with Peru

Ecuador will make its fifth appearance in World Cup competition in 2026. The Tri-Color secured one of South America’s six automatic berths by tying Peru 0-0 in Lima Tuesday night. It was the team’s second straight scoreless draw and the sixth in 16 qualifier games.

Ecuador’s players celebrated Tuesday night following the 0-0 tie with Peru in Lima.

The team again exhibited a stingy defense, thanks in part to goalie Gonzalo Valle who made several dramatic saves. As in previous games, the team’s offense was anemic, earning few good shots on Peru’s goal.

Although Ecuador’s leading scorer Enner Valencia entered the game in the second half, he was ineffective, showing obvious signs of the injury that kept him out of last week’s match with Brazil.

Ecuador pressed the action early in the second half but was forced to fall back and play for the draw after Alan Franco was sent off.

With the tie, the Tri’s spot in the World Cup was determined earlier Tuesday when Venezuela lost to Uruguay by two goals.

To earn the berth, Ecuador was forced to make up three points deducted from the qualifier table due to using an ineligible player in the 2022 qualifiers.