Costa Rica prepares for friendly match against Ecuador in Quito under Bryan Ruiz

The Costa Rican National Team is preparing to face Ecuador in a friendly match scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026. The match will be held at the Olímpico Atahualpa Stadium in Quito. According to local reports, the kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. Costa Rican time, which corresponds to 7:00 p.m. in Ecuador. The match will be broadcast on Repretel (Channel 6) and Teletica (Channel 7).

Squad selection and tactical preparations

Head coach Bryan Ruiz is managing the squad as they prepare for this international fixture. The match will be played at an altitude of approximately 2,780 meters above sea level. Bryan Ruiz has stated that he intends to maintain a consistent core of players for upcoming matches, although he will not reveal the full lineup for the Ecuador game. The head coach expressed a desire for an organized team with a clear playing idea and noted a desire for more Costa Rican players to play in Europe.

Several notable players are expected to feature in the lineup. Francisco Calvo will serve as the captain for Costa Rica. Patrick Sequeira is expected to start as the goalkeeper. The lineup is expected to include Douglas López and Joseph Mora as surprise inclusions, with Joseph Mora identified as the starting left back. Manfred Ugalde, a player for Spartak Moscow, is returning to the national team lineup. The squad currently includes seven players playing abroad, while the Ecuador squad consists of 23 players.

Background and upcoming challenges

The appointment of Bryan Ruiz as the permanent head coach follows his successful tenure as an interim coach. During that period, Bryan Ruiz led the team to victories in two matches against Nicaragua and Haiti. This match in Quito serves as a significant test for the squad as they continue their preparations for major international competitions.

The schedule for the Costa Rican National Team remains demanding. Following the match against Ecuador, the team's upcoming schedule includes a match against Argentina, the 2026 World Cup finalist. The team will look to build momentum through these international friendlies to prepare for the challenges ahead.

Glossary

• Costa Rican National Team — The Costa Rican national team, also known as Los Ticos, is a football team that has emerged as a powerhouse in North America. It has only missed one World Cup since 2002.
• Spartak Moscow — Spartak Moscow is a football team involved in Russian derbies. It is one of several clubs mentioned in relation to matches against teams like Dynamo Moscow and CSKA Moscow.