Curaçao, Ecuador Make 2 Lineup Changes Each for World Cup 2026 Match

Q: Will Ecuador's lineup changes spark the attack needed to keep their World Cup dreams alive against Curaçao?

Yes — Ecuador’s changes should improve their attacking threat, and this is the kind of match they must capitalize on to stay alive. The key switch is Pervis Estupiñan coming into the back line. Although listed as a defensive change, he is one of Ecuador’s main attacking outlets from left back and a major source of chance creation. Jordy Alcívar’s inclusion in midfield also points to Sebastián Beccacece trying to add more control and forward supply after Ecuador’s 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast, a game in which they created chances but failed to finish. The context strongly favors Ecuador. Curaçao were beaten 7-1 by Germany in their opener and have responded by making their shape more defensive, bringing in Joshua Brenet and Juriën Gaari at center back. That suggests Dick Advocaat expects pressure and is trying to protect a vulnerable back line rather than open the game up. Ecuador still have a known problem: their attack can be blunt and remains heavily dependent on Enner Valencia. Their strength is defensive structure, not sustained creativity. But against a Curaçao side that looked overmatched and is now set up even deeper, Ecuador’s added width and midfield adjustment should give them more territory, more service into the box, and enough chances to win. So the lineup changes are unlikely to turn Ecuador into a free-scoring side overnight, but they should provide enough attacking lift to make the difference in a must-win match and keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Q: Can the World Cup's oldest manager guide debutant Curaçao to an upset after their devastating 7-1 opening loss?

It is possible, but the evidence suggests it is highly unlikely. Dick Advocaat, 78, brings exactly the kind of experience Curaçao needs after a 7-1 opening loss to Germany. He is the oldest manager in World Cup history, has coached at multiple major tournaments, and has built Curaçao into a disciplined, organized side through a dual-national recruitment model. His team also showed some resilience in that heavy defeat, briefly leveling at 1-1 through Livano Comenencia for the nation’s first World Cup goal. But the scale of the challenge is clear. Curaçao is making its World Cup debut, is ranked 82nd in the world, and now faces an Ecuador side under pressure after a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast. Ecuador remains heavily favored because of its superior depth, athleticism and defensive record, having conceded just once in its previous 11 CONMEBOL qualifiers before this tournament. With Enner Valencia, Moisés Caicedo and Willian Pacho, Ecuador has far more top-level quality. Curaçao’s lineup changes suggest Advocaat is trying to restore defensive stability, bringing in Joshua Brenet and Juriën Gaari at center back. That may help them stay compact and counter more effectively, likely through Jurgen Locadia. Ecuador, meanwhile, is expected to be more aggressive and has a fully fit squad. So Advocaat can make Curaçao more competitive and harder to break down, but an outright upset would still rank as a major surprise. A narrower, more organized performance is the more realistic target.

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 20

Curaçao made two changes for the World Cup 2026 match, bringing in Joshua Brenet for Riechedly Bazoer at center back and Juriën Gaari as Sontje Hansen dropped out.
Ecuador also altered two spots, with Pervis Estupiñan replacing Joe Ordoñéz in defense and Jordy Alcívar coming into midfield for Alan Minda.
The four switches leave both sides reshaping their starting setups immediately before the qualifier, with Curaçao's changes heavier in defense and Ecuador adjusting both defense and midfield.