Antonio Valencia apologises to Ecuador after shock draw leaves them on brink of World Cup exit

Antonio Valencia has publicly apologised to the people of Ecuador after their 2026 World Cup campaign teetered on the brink of collapse, with the South American nation held to a goalless draw by Curacao — a side beaten 7-1 by Germany in their opening match.

The result leaves Ecuador needing to beat Germany in their final group game to have any chance of reaching the round of 32. Their tournament had already started poorly when Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo scored a late winner to down Ecuador in the opening fixture.

Valencia, who made 339 appearances for Manchester United and earned 99 caps for Ecuador, took to X to address the nation’s frustration directly. “I want to apologise to all the people of Ecuador, to everyone who travelled from so far away, to everyone who supported the team from the beginning,” he wrote.

“We know the frustration you feel, but we must remain united as a country. Please don’t be so harsh with your messages and comments toward the players. They are the ones who most want to bring joy to the country. Let’s support this new generation. There are many changes to be made and a long road ahead.”

The former right-back’s words reflect the scale of disappointment back home, where fans were furious after the Curacao stalemate. Ecuador’s failure to break down a side that had just conceded seven goals in their previous match compounded the sense of crisis surrounding the squad.

At club level, Valencia remains one of Manchester United’s most decorated servants of the modern era. Signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Wigan Athletic as a dynamic winger, he evolved into one of the Premier League’s finest right-backs and was handed the captain’s armband by José Mourinho in 2018. He departed Old Trafford in 2019 to join LDU Quito, finishing his United career with 25 goals and 48 assists.

Now serving as assistant manager at Ecuadorian club Academia AV, Valencia will be watching closely as his country faces a must-win clash against the Germans. A victory would move Ecuador onto four points and leave them with a chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed sides in the group stage.