Honestly, if you haven’t been watching the Ecuador women's national football team standings lately, you’re missing out on one of the weirdest, most hopeful rebuilds in South American soccer. It’s not all sunshine. We aren’t talking about Brazil-level dominance here. But for a team that basically felt invisible a few years ago, the current trajectory is actually kind of wild.
Right now, as we push into early 2026, Ecuador sits at 65th in the FIFA World Rankings. That might not sound like much to a casual fan. But consider this: they climbed four spots just in the last update of 2025. They’re finally clawing their way out of the basement of CONMEBOL.
The story isn't just about a number on a FIFA spreadsheet. It’s about how they’re actually playing.
The Copa América Aftermath and the Nations League Grind
Last summer was supposed to be the big moment. Ecuador hosted the 2025 Copa América Femenina, and the vibes in Quito were incredible. You had full stadiums, the "Si se puede" chants, the whole deal. But the actual results? Kinda bittersweet.
In Group A, Ecuador finished 4th. They managed a gritty 2-2 draw against Uruguay and a solid 3-1 win over Peru, but they just couldn't handle the heavyweights. Losing 2-0 to Argentina and 2-1 to Chile hurt. Badly. It meant they missed the knockout stages on home soil.
📖 Related: Cleveland Guardians vs Atlanta Braves Matches: Why This Interleague Rivalry Hits Different
However, they didn't just fold after that. Since then, they’ve been grinding in the 2025–26 CONMEBOL Women's Nations League.
The current standings in the Nations League show a team that is becoming incredibly hard to beat. They recently went to the thin air of El Alto and absolutely dismantled Bolivia 4-0. Then they held Uruguay to a 0-0 draw in December. They are currently sitting in 5th place in the overall Nations League table with 5 points, keeping pace with the big guns like Colombia and Argentina.
Who is actually driving this bus?
Eduardo Moscoso. That’s the name you need to know. He took over the senior team in late 2024 after doing some serious work with the U-17s.
Moscoso’s whole philosophy is built on "leaving a legacy." He isn't just looking for a quick win; he's obsessed with the psychological side of the game. He even brought in full-time sports psychologists because, as he puts it, you can't win if your head isn't right.
👉 See also: Cincinnati vs Oklahoma State Basketball: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big 12 Grind
The Core Roster
- Nayely Bolaños: She’s the spark plug. If Ecuador is scoring, she's usually involved. She’s got that clinical edge that was missing for years.
- Ligia Moreira: The captain. The "Patrona." She’s the defensive anchor and the soul of the locker room.
- Emily Arias: A rising star who really showed out during the Copa América.
- Kerlly Real: Bringing that European experience from Spain. She provides a level of tactical awareness that helps the younger girls stay calm.
Breaking Down the Real Numbers
If you look at the raw stats from the last six months, a pattern emerges. Ecuador isn't the "13-0 losers" they were back in 1995. That’s ancient history.
In the 2025-26 cycle, their defense has become remarkably stingy. In 18 matches across various competitions (including friendlies and qualifiers), they’ve only conceded an average of 1.1 goals per game. For a team in the middle of a rebuild, that’s huge.
But there’s a catch. They still struggle to find the back of the net against Tier-1 opponents. They can dominate Bolivia and Peru, sure. But when they face Brazil or Colombia, they tend to sit back and play for the counter, which often leads to a "death by a thousand cuts" scenario.
What’s Next for La Tri?
The calendar for 2026 is looking spicy. They have a massive double-header coming up in April.
✨ Don't miss: Chase Center: What Most People Get Wrong About the New Arena in San Francisco
- April 10, 2026: Away vs. Paraguay. This is a "six-pointer" for the Nations League standings.
- April 18, 2026: Home vs. Peru. This is a game they absolutely must win to keep their ranking momentum.
Later in June, they face the ultimate test: Chile and Argentina. If they can scrape 4 points from those four games, they’ll likely crack the FIFA Top 60 for the first time in nearly a decade.
The Actionable Reality
If you’re following the Ecuador women's national football team standings, keep your eyes on the Nations League table rather than just the FIFA rank. The ranking lags behind, but the Nations League points tell you who is actually improving in real-time.
Watch the "Goal Difference" column. Ecuador’s success this year depends entirely on whether they can turn those 0-0 draws into 1-0 wins. They have the defensive structure; they just need Bolaños or Flores to find that extra gear in the final third.
Stay updated on the official FEF (Federación Ecuatoriana de Fútbol) channels, as match times in Quito often shift last minute due to weather or broadcast tweaks. Following the Superliga Femenina in Ecuador is also a pro move—most of the national team’s bench is currently playing for Independiente del Valle or Barcelona SC, and that’s where the next generation of "La Tri" is being forged.
Check the live scores for the Paraguay match on April 10th. That result will tell you everything you need to know about where this team is heading.