In sports, there are generally three types of fans.There are casual fans, die-hard fans, and bandwagon fans. Typically, most fans fall into the first or the third, but some fall into the second. These die-hard fans will typically form groups to support their teams, also known as supporter’s groups.

Over the years, Ecuador has had several supporter’s groups, such as Los Abanderados and Somos Ecuador. However, the most current supporter group is La 593. The life and soul in the stands for the Ecuadorian national team, La 593 has been supporting Ecuador all around the globe throughout most of the 2020s, but the group itself has existed since 2002, which was the year of Ecuador’s first qualification to a World Cup.

The traveling part of the supporter’s group was formed in 2022, prior to the start of the World Cup in Qatar that year. It was important for them to start something during this time, as not only was the Ecuador team the youngest squad in that tournament, but they also went on to make history by playing the host nation in the opening game. La 593 was responsible for organizing all the soccer banderazos, large-scale fan gatherings, before games at the World Cup and for initiating all the chants and drumming.

I had the opportunity to meet Ricardo Carrasco, one of the leaders of the supporter group for the 2026 World Cup, who described La 593 as “a group of supporters not affiliated with any club, and to instead make sure the Ecuadorian fans can enjoy their team in the stands, and chant to their hearts’ content, making it a good atmosphere overall.”

Adding to that, he wants this supporters group to be different, bringing Ecuadorian culture to everyone, no matter where your background is or whether you’re living away from home. It’s just like the Ecuadorian culture; all are welcome, he explains.

Being a member of La 593 doesn’t mean you have to live in Ecuador; in fact, most of its members live abroad. For example, Carrasco himself and three other important members, Ricard Thurdekoos, Danilo Carion and Maria Fernanda live in 3 different continents.

Carrasco told me that La 593 is prepared to bring merch, pyrotechnics, and flags. They are also bringing bombos, which are bass drums, a musical instrument commonly used in South American music. These will be played at all their banderazos, which are held the day prior to a soccer match. La 593 will also organize bus routes and marches for the group, and are in the process of finding an Airbnb to stay in. Through their website, they will create a map of all local restaurants, shops, and bars where Ecuadorian fans can watch the game on game days if they’re unable to attend.

“This is something for the Ecuadorian National team,” said Carrasco. “And it’s not just for people from Ecuador, but for people who support the Ecuadorian National team, and being Ecuadorian isn’t just something you’re born with, but also a privilege.”

To ensure Ecuadorians around the world stay informed about La 593’s global activities, Carrasco recommended following the group on Instagram (@la593_) and visiting their website at www.la593.org for more information.

As well as announcing they will be giving away tickets to the Germany vs Ecuador game on the 25 of June at MetLife Stadium. For more information, please check their Instagram.