Ecuador made history in 2002 when it qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the nation's football history. Under the guidance of Colombian coach Hernán Darío Bolillo Gómez, the Ecuadorian national team secured their place in the tournament held jointly in Japan and South Korea, facing strong competition in Group G against Italy, Croatia, and Mexico.

In their World Cup debut, Ecuador faced Italy, suffering a 0-2 defeat, followed by a narrow loss of 1-2 against Mexico in their second match. With no hopes of advancing to the knockout stage, the team approached their final group game with determination. On June 13, 2002, the Ecuadorian squad played against Croatia in Yokohama, where they finally claimed their first World Cup victory, secured by a goal in the 48th minute from Édison Méndez, who currently coaches Leones FC.

This victory was not just a triumph on the field for Ecuador; it represented a significant cultural achievement for the nation, fostering unity and pride among its citizens. The achievement laid the groundwork for Ecuador's future participation in international competitions, increasing visibility for the country's talent on the global stage and inspiring generations of footballers in Ecuador.