World Cup wonderkids: Kendry Paez
The latest in our series on the most exciting U-21 players heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is dedicated to one of Ecuador’s most promising prospects.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ draws closer, we are spotlighting some youngsters seemingly set to illuminate the beautiful game’s greatest tournament.
Date of birth: 4 May 2007 Teams: Ecuador and Chelsea (currently on loan at River Plate) International debut: 12 September 2023 v. Uruguay (aged 16) Position: Attacking midfielder/advanced playmaker Standout skills: Dribbling, incisive through-balls, creativity between the lines, a devastating left foot, composure to receive the ball under pressure, game intelligence, explosive changes of pace.
Ecuador are set to grace the upcoming global showpiece boasting one of the most star-studded squads in their recent history. Their current crop is brimming with fresh-faced, powerful and fiercely competitive talents, built around a core of players with experience of elite European competition. One of their brightest up-and-coming performers is Kendry Paez, who continues to thrive under the weight of enormous expectation.
Although the silky schemer was born in Guayaquil in Ecuador’s tropical south, the renowned academy of Andean outfit Independiente del Valle served as the springboard for his breakthrough at the highest level of South American football. Before even turning 17, he had already made his top-flight debut in his homeland, competed on the continental stage and agreed to a future move to Chelsea amid interest from several European giants.
The youngster’s integration into La Tri’s senior set-up was similarly swift. His international debut came on home soil on 12 September 2023, when he set up Felix Torres’s winner in the 2-1 victory over Uruguay in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for this year’s FIFA World Cup™. The following month, his slotted finish in the 2-1 success over Bolivia in La Paz made him the youngest-ever goalscorer in the continental preliminary competition.
Paez has all the ingredients needed to succeed: he can receive the ball between the lines and turn away from pressure, play inch-perfect through-balls and drive forward to beat the press. He combines audacity with the composure to dictate the rhythm of play and also brings flair in the final third in an Ecuador team that pride themselves on their intensity, work rate and solidity.
While the 19-year-old is still honing his sharpness, confidence and competitive maturity, that is unlikely to temper the expectations surrounding him ahead of the North American showpiece, where he is set to emerge as the figurehead of a new Ecuadorian generation that has ensured the national team have outgrown their underdog status.
Enjoy highlights of the exciting Ecuadorian who is tipped to be one of the prodigies to watch at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“He’s got what it takes to be even better than the likes of [Lionel] Messi and Neymar, but whether or not he lives up to that promise comes down to him and everyone around him.” Former Ecuador forward Carlos Tenorio
“He’s a kid who has a gift. He’s an ultra-talented player who adapted quickly. But what I want to highlight is the way he’s adapted to the group and the way he works to be at the level. He has a remarkable attitude.” Paez’s coach at Strasbourg, Liam Rosenior
"We’ve always believed in him. We’ve kept calling him up even when he wasn’t playing for his club because, as we’ve told him, we’ve got full faith in his abilities. This kid has got bags of talent. He’s carried the weight of huge expectations from such a young age.” Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece
14 June: Côte d’Ivoire v Ecuador – Philadelphia Stadium
20 June: Ecuador v Curaçao – Kansas City Stadium
25 June: Ecuador v Germany – New York New Jersey Stadium