Kendry Páez

Kendry Páez is a midfielder for Ecuador and, at 19, one of the youngest names in the projected 2026 World Cup squad. He is on loan at River Plate from Chelsea, and he is an attacking midfielder who can also play from the right. Ecuador's final 26 is due to be confirmed on 1 June, so his current status is preliminary rather than final.

Páez made his senior Ecuador debut on 12 September 2023 against Uruguay. By 27 March 2026, he had 24 caps and two international goals; his record includes becoming the youngest South American to score in a World Cup qualifier. Ecuador qualified as CONMEBOL runners-up on 10 June 2025 and enter Group E with Ivory Coast, Curaçao and Germany.

Páez is a midfielder who can play as an attacking midfielder or from the right. His advanced-midfield value sits in connecting Ecuador's midfield to the forward line, carrying possession into attacking areas and giving Beccacece another player between midfield and attack. At 19, he is still early in his senior career.

Ecuador's wider team profile under Beccacece is defensive strength: only five goals conceded across qualifying. Páez is the younger attacking option in that picture, backed by senior Ecuador caps, Chelsea ownership and a River Plate loan before the final 26 is confirmed.

Páez gives Ecuador's Goal Rush pick an attacking-midfield option in a side better known for defensive control. Ecuador sit in Tier 4 at £10m within the game's £200m card budget, with Group E bringing Ivory Coast, Curaçao and Germany.

His individual case is a forward-facing one: a 19-year-old midfielder who can also play from the right, with senior Ecuador caps and two international goals already on his record, the youthful attacking edge for a low-cost team slot.