While not a traditional power of South America, Ecuador has raised its game since the turn of the century. Previously, fourth-place finishes in the 1959 and 1993 Copa America tournaments were the country’s most notable feats until La Tricolor qualified for its first FIFA World Cup in 2002. Since that first appearance, Ecuador has been at three of the last five FIFA World Cups, and memorably advanced from the group stage during the 2006 edition in Germany.
The nation’s all-time cap leader is former defender Iván Hurtado, whose 168 appearances also place him sixth worldwide. With 31 career goals, former striker Agustín Delgado is Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer.