Bolon de Verde, Encocado de Pescado and especially mouth-watering, citrusy Ceviche… Felix Sanchez admits Ecuadorian cuisine makes it “very difficult to keep in shape”. Fortunately, aided by some sumptuous ingredients – a new Guayaquileno spice, some herbs matured in the English south, and an Esmeraldeno additive – chef Felix has La Tri in superb shape.

Ecuador began the FIFA World Cup 26™ preliminaries with a three-point deficit. Four rounds in and they’re already in the automatic qualifying positions.

FIFA caught up with Sanchez to discuss starting 16-year-old Kendry Paez in big games, the quality of Moises Caicedo and Enner Valencia, the forthcoming games against Venezuela and Chile, and his joy at seeing Lionel Messi win Qatar 2022.