Why Enner Valencia Won’t Play for Ecuador Against New Zealand
Enner Valencia, a prominent forward for the Ecuadorian national football team, will not participate in the upcoming match against New Zealand. This friendly encounter is scheduled for November 18, 2025, in New Jersey and marks the final game of the year for the national squad.
Valencia’s Commitment to Pachuca
The decision for Valencia’s absence stems from his commitment to his club, Pachuca, where he requested permission to return to Mexico. Valencia is preparing for a critical match against Pumas on November 20, 2025, which will be part of the Liga MX play-in fixture.
National Team Adjustments
Valencia previously played as a starter in Ecuador’s recent goalless draw against Canada in Toronto. With his departure, coach Sebastián Beccacece faces the challenge of adjusting the lineup. The remaining strikers available include:
- Kevin Rodríguez
- Leonardo Campana
- Jeremy Arévalo
Final Preparations for the Year
The Ecuadorian national team held a training session on November 16, 2025, in the United States, without their star forward. All other selected players are set to take part in the final friendly of the year.
This match against New Zealand represents an important opportunity for the team to conclude 2025 on a positive note, even in the absence of Valencia.
