Historic Crew Stadium is temporarily housing the Ecuador National Football Team.
Ecuador chose Columbus and the Crew’s training facilities as its home base to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will begin in June in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ecuador Head Coach Sebastián Beccacece said when the team got the chance to choose a home base, they considered things like proximity to matches and a hospitable facility.
“Now that we are here, we are convinced it was the right choice,” Beccacece said through an interpreter. “We have been able to confirm everything we felt during the selection process now that we are actually here.”
The coach added that the weather in Columbus has also been nice for the team’s tournament preparation.
Beccacece said he hasn’t had much time to explore Columbus past a single walk near the team’s hotel, but feels the city’s energy is very positive and comfortable.
“We are extremely excited. We are convinced that we can achieve our best World Cup performance. We have good players and we will continue to put our energy into improving the way the team plays,” Beccacece said. “Of course, we know we are in a difficult group, but we are prepared to face that challenge.”
Ecuador finished second to defending World Cup champions Argentina in qualifying in the CONMEBOL — the South American Football Confederation — zone. During the previous FIFA World Cup in 2022, Ecuador was eliminated during the group stage.
Ecuador will play a friendly match against Guatemala at Scotts Miracle-Gro Field on June 7.
Ecuador also will play another friendly match against Saudi Arabia in New Jersey on Saturday. World Cup play begins on June 11.
Two Columbus Crew players are also playing in the World Cup, midfielder Max Arfsten for the U.S. Men’s National Team and defender Steven Moreira for the Cape Verde National Football Team.
