Ecuador

Ecuador have qualified for the World Cup four times and always go out early, but they're improving — their Copa América campaigns have been more competitive recently and the squad has a core of young, hungry players.

Enner Valencia is 34 and was their top scorer at the last two World Cups — this will be his final tournament, and he remains the focal point of the attack even as younger players take on more responsibility.

They're in Group E with Germany, Curaçao and Ivory Coast — a tough group where qualifying third might be the realistic outcome, but Ecuador knocking out Germany would be a genuine upset worth watching.

Ecuador's domestic league has improved significantly in the last decade, which means players are developing better technically before moving to Europe — the quality of the squad reflects this gradual upward trajectory.

The country is deeply passionate about football but hasn't had the infrastructure to match that passion historically — the current generation is the most talented Ecuador has sent to a major tournament.