Unusual: Ecuador changes captain during World Cup

Surprise in Ecuador: The South Americans are changing their captain in the middle of the World Cup.

In the future, Moisés Caicedo will lead the national team onto the field as captain.

The Chelsea midfielder already wore the captain's armband in the last group match against Germany.

Valencia still captain in the first matches

In the first two matches, record goal-scorer Enner Valencia was still the captain of "La Tri".

However, after the last-minute defeat against Ivory Coast and the disappointing draw against Curacao, the officials decided on a change for the last group match.

The decision has now also been finalized with a view to the upcoming knockout matches: Caicedo will remain Ecuador's permanent captain from now on.

Ecuador back in knockout stage for first time since 2006

With a late victory against Germany on Thursday, Ecuador secured their ticket for the knockout stage after all.

This marks the first time since 2006 that the South Americans are back in a World Cup knockout round. Back then, they narrowly failed in the round of 16, losing 0-1 to England.

On Wednesday (CET/from 3 AM in the LIVE ticker >>>), host Mexico now awaits as an opponent in the Round of 32.