Ecuador vs Saudi Arabia
Sports Illustrated Stadium
P. Lauziere
2026
Match Report
Ecuador claimed a confident 2-1 friendly win over Saudi Arabia at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, with Jackson Porozo's thumping header setting the tone for a commanding La Tri display.
Porozo opened the scoring in the 35th minute, rising to meet John Yeboah's set-piece delivery with a close-range header into the bottom corner. Anthony Valencia doubled the lead just six minutes into the second half, slotting a composed left-footed finish from the center of the box — Yeboah again providing the assist. José Hurtado had been booked for dangerous play in the 25th minute, but Ecuador held their defensive shape comfortably. Sultan Mandash gave Saudi Arabia a lifeline in the 87th minute with a well-struck effort from a tight angle, though any comeback hope faded at the final whistle.
For Ecuador, it's a timely confidence boost ahead of co-hosting the World Cup on home soil. Saudi Arabia will need to find more attacking cohesion and defensive consistency before the tournament gets underway.
Match Events
18'
35'
46'
46'
46'
46'
51'
64'
73'
77'
84'
87'
90+1'
90+4'
18'
35'
46'
46'
51'
64'
73'
77'
84'
87'
90+1'
90+4'
Statistics
42%Possession58%
11Shots12
6Shots on Target2
2Corners2
16Fouls11
2Offsides0
1Yellow Cards1
406Passes556
1Saves4
Head to Head
1
Ecuador wins
1
Draws
0
Saudi Arabia wins
Goals: 2 - 1

