Ecuador were simply in a different class to Curaçao at a sun-drenched Arrowhead Stadium, producing a composed, professional Group E opening win that was never seriously in doubt. Head coach Sebastián Beccacece set up in a 4-3-3 that pressed high and suffocated Curaçao's build-up from the first whistle. The tone was set as early as the 16th minute when Riechedly Bazoer's reckless lunge on Kendry Páez earned a yellow card, and two minutes later the same foul territory yielded a penalty after Armando Obispo bundled over Enner Valencia in the box. The veteran captain — playing in what is likely his final World Cup — stepped up and buried it low to the keeper's right with trademark ice-cold composure. Ecuador's midfield trio of Caicedo, Páez and Alcívar completely outclassed Curaçao's central unit, recycling possession with ease and launching wave after wave of attacks down both flanks. Pervis Estupiñán was electric at left-back, and it was his surging overlap in the 54th minute that drew the defence and freed Páez to thread a perfectly-weighted through ball for Caicedo, who arrived late into the box and slotted home with his right foot. Curaçao's discipline frayed further when Bazoer collected his second yellow on 76 minutes for a cynical trip on Páez, and within two minutes Estupiñán had driven to the byline again, cut back for Gonzalo Plata, who curled a delightful finish into the far corner to seal a polished 3-0 victory. Ecuador head into the rest of Group E with maximum points, a healthy goal difference, and the encouraging sight of their generational talent Kendry Páez announcing himself on the world stage.

• Enner Valencia's 18th-minute penalty was his 10th World Cup finals goal — a La Tri record.
• Moisés Caicedo dominated the midfield battle, completing 94% of passes and winning 8 duels.
• Curaçao managed just 1 shot on target across 90 minutes — a sign of Ecuador's defensive stranglehold.
• Bazoer's 76th-minute second yellow left Curaçao with 10 men, killing any slim hope of a comeback.
• Kendry Páez (19 years old) ran the show in the second half, recording an assist and 4 key passes.
• Ecuador's xG of 2.71 vs 0.38 reflects total territorial dominance on home soil in Kansas City.