AGP Executive Report

World Cup Countdown: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 with Mexico vs South Africa, and Ecuador fans will be watching Group E closely where Ecuador faces Germany and Ivory Coast alongside Curaçao’s historic debut. Curaçao Prep in Florida: Head coach Dick Advocaat is finalizing tactics in Boca Raton after Curaçao’s 4-0 warm-up win over Aruba, with FIFA confirming striker Jürgen Locadia is available for the opener. Ecuador in the Spotlight: A World Cup preview notes Ecuador’s defensive strength as a potential surprise factor, while another roundup lists Ecuador among the teams with long-shot championship odds. Tech & Privacy: Meta says it will use off-site business data to personalize users’ feeds and AI chatbot responses, expanding controls for how that information is used. Public Health Alert: New York health officials and the FDA linked hepatitis A cases to frozen blood clams imported from Ecuador, urging people to check freezers. Earthquake Disruption: A 6.1 quake near Cuba rattled Florida and temporarily shut down some Disney World rides during safety checks.

Ecuador Culture: In Guangopolo near Quito, only nine artisans still weave traditional horsehair “cedazos” (sieves). Once a village trade for 500 families, cheaper plastics and synthetic fabrics have cut sales to about 10 per week, putting a 200-year identity at risk. World Cup 2026 (Ecuador): Ecuador’s squad is being pitched as a surprise force, with betting guides pointing to a possible deep run despite a tough Group E that includes Germany and Ivory Coast. World Cup 2026 (Global): Fans in Singapore are gearing up with free public screenings and watch parties as the tournament expands to 48 teams across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Trade Policy (US): The U.S. moves toward broader tariffs under Section 301 tied to forced-labor rules, proposing 10%–12.5% duties on imports from 60 countries. Natural Disaster: A 6.1 quake near Cuba shook buildings from Havana to Florida, prompting safety shutdowns at Disney World but no major damage reported.

Ecuador Economy Watch: Ecuador’s country risk slid to 396 points on June 3, dipping below 400 for the first time in nearly 12 years, as investors respond to improving borrowing expectations. Energy & Industry: Esmeraldas’ main refinery has restarted diesel production after a March fire, climbing to about 83% capacity and processing roughly 90,750 barrels per day. Security & Justice: Phone records and seized devices are being used in the Villavicencio assassination case, with prosecutors alleging witness pressure and political contacts tied to the alleged masterminds. Government & Governance: Ecuador is merging eight ministries into three in a second restructuring in under a year, reshaping how the state operates. World Cup Ecuador Connection: With the tournament days away, Ecuador’s national team is set to open in Philadelphia against Côte d’Ivoire, while World Cup preparations and visitor support ramp up across host cities. Climate: The UN warns El Niño conditions are back, raising the risk of a historic “super El Niño” heat spike that could hit agriculture and health across the region.

Ecuador World Cup Focus: Ecuador’s national team wrapped up its 2026 World Cup prep with a friendly vs Guatemala in the U.S., and the confirmed starting XI for the Columbus match puts Moisés Caicedo in from the start as La Tri looks to sharpen its shape ahead of group play. World Cup Build-Up (Ecuador in the spotlight): Curaçao, the tournament’s smallest-ever qualifier, arrived at its Texas base in a custom-painted school bus ahead of its opener against Germany, while Philadelphia host coverage highlights Ecuador’s Group E clash with Ivory Coast on June 14 at Lincoln Financial Field. Climate & Food Security: A UK-focused report warns “super El Niño” heat stress could disrupt overseas production of staples like coffee, cocoa, bananas and tea, with Ecuador and other suppliers named among those at risk. Energy Watch: Iraq’s weekly crude exports to the U.S. resumed at about 43,000 bpd after a prior halt, with Ecuador listed among major U.S. crude suppliers. Tech & Governance: An IBM study says CIOs/CTOs are being held accountable for AI systems they don’t fully control, as governance struggles to keep up with faster deployment.

World Cup Countdown: Ecuador’s final pre-tournament tune-up is set for Sunday in Columbus, Ohio, with La Tri taking on Guatemala at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field (4 p.m. ET, Fanatiz/Fubo). Ecuador enters on a strong run under Sebastián Beccacece and opens Group E against Ivory Coast on June 15. Local Football Spotlight: Ecuador vs Guatemala is framed as a mismatch on form and defense, with a predicted Ecuador win (3-0). Group E Context: Ivory Coast has arrived in the U.S. ahead of its Group E matches, with Ecuador listed as its first opponent. Peru Politics Watch: Peru’s presidential runoff is underway, with crime and instability driving a tight race between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez—an election seen as a test of Latin America’s rightward shift, with Ecuador cited among recent right-leaning outcomes. Ecuador Environment & Culture: In Ecuador, a port fire in Manta injured two people and destroyed eight boats, while a Yurak Fest fundraiser at Tarqui’s Yurak Allpa Zoo aims to support rescued animals. Science in Ecuador: Researchers in Ecuador’s Amazon discovered a new spider species that mimics a fungus, highlighting how much biodiversity remains unknown.

World Cup Build-Up: Germany beat the U.S. 2-1 in Chicago with goals by Havertz and Sané, while the U.S. got a Robinson equalizer; Germany also faces Curaçao next and is in Group E with Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire. Injury Update: Germany’s Lennart Karl is ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh muscle tear, replaced by Assan Ouedraogo. Curaçao Spotlight: Tahith Chong, the lone Curacao-born player on the squad, is set for the opener vs Germany on June 14—Curacao’s first-ever World Cup appearance. Ecuador News: A major fire in Manta’s port destroyed at least eight boats (reports say up to 25) and left two people seriously injured; authorities are looking into whether welding sparked the blaze. Climate Watch: El Niño is forecast to form with high likelihood, raising risks of drought and heat impacts across the region. Trade Talks in Quito: AMCHAM T&T raised concerns with a senior U.S. official over petrochemical tariff impacts, after meeting in Quito.

Ecuador Security Watch: A new analysis says Ecuador’s criminal landscape is reshaping fast under the Noboa administration’s military pressure, with major groups fragmenting, smaller armed gangs multiplying, and violence spreading to more localities nationwide. World Cup Build-Up (Ecuador in Group E): Ecuador’s World Cup hopes get a boost from reports highlighting a defense built for clean sheets, with key players like Willian Pacho, Pervis Estupiñán and Moisés Caicedo expected to make La Tri hard to break down. Quito Tourism Push: Travel And Tour World ranks Quito among the Americas’ top “coolcation” destinations for 2026, pointing to year-round mild temperatures and nature-and-culture travel demand. El Niño Alert (Regional): Colombia is bracing for an El Niño event with 80% likelihood, warning of heat, water stress, fires, and food/energy strain—an issue Ecuador travelers and planners will be watching too. International Football News: Germany’s Lennart Karl is ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh muscle tear, with Assan Ouedraogo called up as Ecuador’s Group E rivals adjust.

Ecuador Security: Ecuador’s violence crisis stays in the spotlight after eight bodies were found in bags along the Babahoyo–Juján highway, with families waiting for identification and prosecutors saying the victims were intercepted on motorcycles. World Cup Build-Up (Ecuador): Ecuador is also in the World Cup conversation as warm-up results and squad news swirl ahead of the June 11 start, including a reminder that Ecuador opens its tournament in Philadelphia. World Cup Squad Shock (Germany): Germany’s Lennart Karl is out of the 2026 World Cup with a torn muscle bundle, and Assan Ouedraogo has been called up as his replacement. Blue Economy (Ecuador): A new focus on Ecuador’s “blue economy” highlights how women lead artisanal fishing value chains in coastal communities, linking jobs and ocean sustainability. Trade & Tariffs (Ecuador-linked): The U.S. is proposing Section 301 forced-labor tariffs that include Ecuador, with a 10% rate listed for countries with partial mechanisms. Immigration (Ecuador-linked): The U.S. deportation program continues to ripple abroad, with DR Congo reporting that more than half of a first group of deportees from the Americas—including Ecuadorians—have already left.

World Cup build-up (Ecuador angle): Ecuador’s World Cup campaign is being framed around a tough, defense-first profile after a qualifying run marked by clean sheets and low goals conceded, with La Tri set to test Group E rivals as Germany seeks redemption and Ecuador aims to spring surprises. Sports betting buzz: As the tournament kicks off June 11 across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, betting guides and futures odds are flooding in, with Spain and France listed among the top contenders and Ecuador discussed as a dark-horse watch. Curaçao World Cup uncertainty: Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat says FIFA has not yet decided whether striker Jürgen Locadia’s red card means a suspension, leaving the opener vs Germany in limbo. Ecuador legal/economy watch: Casino investors have filed a second claim against Ecuador at ICSID after an earlier treaty case was dismissed, keeping pressure on the country’s investment climate. Environment & risk: A “non-regression” principle is highlighted in environmental law coverage, while climate warnings point to El Niño-linked extreme-weather planning needs. Volcano update: Ecuador’s Reventador and Sangay remain active in ongoing eruption monitoring. Migration/rights (global, with Ecuador link): Reuters reports nine of 15 migrants deported from the U.S. to Congo have returned home, including remaining cases that involve Ecuadorians.

Ecuador Crime Watch: A new analysis says Ecuador’s criminal groups are fragmenting and multiplying smaller armed gangs as the Noboa administration’s military pressure reshapes the battlefield, driving instability and a surge in violence across more provinces. U.S. Trade Pressure on Ecuador: The U.S. Trade Representative is moving ahead with Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor enforcement gaps; Ecuador is listed among economies with laws but weak enforcement, putting it in the tariff-risk group. World Cup Build-Up (Ecuador in Group E): Group E is framed as a tight, unpredictable race: Germany are favorites, but Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire are expected to apply pressure, with Curaçao the debut underdog. Local World Cup Security: Mounted patrol units from Colorado are set to assist Kansas City-area security during World Cup matches that include Ecuador vs. Curaçao. Global Context: The week also brought major World Cup logistics updates (48-team format, host cities) and FIFA’s decision to ban refillable water bottles in stadiums.

US Forced-Labor Tariffs: Ecuador-linked trade could feel the ripple as the Trump administration pushes new Section 301 duties tied to forced-labor claims, with Australia’s anti-slavery commissioner calling the move a “distraction” and urging the US to scrap or cut the 12.5% rate. World Cup Countdown (Ecuador angle): The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 with 48 teams across the US, Canada and Mexico, and Ecuador’s group-stage path is in focus as fans map fixtures and tune-in plans. Ecuador Sports Culture: Swiss-Ecuadorian brothers Hermanos Gutiérrez are set to release “Los Ojos Del Cóndor,” a new Andes-inspired album that’s already fueling pride ahead of the tournament. Climate Watch: NASA reports early El Niño signals from Pacific sea-level readings, with potential knock-on effects for weather and water across South America. Humanitarian Spotlight: A Norwegian aid group flags Sudan, DR Congo and Colombia among the world’s most neglected displacement crises, warning funding and attention are lagging.

US Trade Shock for Ecuador: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed new 10%–12.5% tariffs tied to forced-labor enforcement failures under Section 301, naming Ecuador among the countries flagged for not effectively enforcing a forced-labor import ban. The USTR says it will accept public comments until July 6 and hold hearings starting July 7, while Ecuador and other partners push back on the claims. Violence in Ecuador: Ecuadorian prosecutors say eight bodies were found in jute sacks along the Jujan–Babahoyo road in Los Ríos, with investigators prioritizing whether the remains match missing youths reported last month. Ecuador on the World Cup trail: Ecuador is training in Columbus as its official base camp for the 2026 tournament, and will play a friendly against Guatemala on June 7. Government reshuffle: President Daniel Noboa announced a second cabinet reduction, cutting the Council of Ministers from 14 to 10 portfolios, saying it’s aimed at efficiency and accountability. World Cup Group E watch: Germany enters Group E as favorites, but Ecuador is highlighted as a serious contender alongside Ivory Coast and Curaçao.

US Trade Shock: The Trump administration, via the U.S. Trade Representative, has proposed new Section 301 tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, including Ecuador, citing alleged failures to curb goods made with forced labor—an approach trading partners say is unjustified and likely to raise costs and uncertainty for businesses. Aviation Safety: The FAA is investigating a close call involving a JetBlue flight approaching Fort Lauderdale, after an alert warned of another aircraft not in radio contact; the plane landed safely. World Cup Countdown (Ecuador angle): With the 2026 World Cup starting soon, Ecuador is in Group E and fans are also getting practical guides on venues, schedules, and where to watch key warm-ups. Climate Watch: Scientists warn a Super El Niño could be forming, with potential knock-on effects for weather across the Americas.

US Trade Pressure on Forced Labour: The Trump administration’s USTR proposed new Section 301 duties of 10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, citing failures to block goods made with forced labour; Ecuador is named among those facing 10% added duties. Colombia Election Fallout: U.S. President Trump endorsed far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella after he topped Colombia’s first round; the EU election mission said it found no fraud in its early review as a runoff looms. Ecuador in the World Cup Spotlight: FIFA has released full 26-man squads for all 48 teams, with Ecuador set to play in Philadelphia’s World Cup schedule starting June 14. Drug Trafficking Link to Ecuador: Hungary seized a record 522 kg of cocaine hidden in a banana shipment traced back to Ecuador, underscoring the region’s role in illicit routes. Travel Outlook for Ecuador: A WTTC forecast says Central and South America’s travel and tourism GDP should grow faster than the global average in 2026, with Ecuador among the markets benefiting.

Ecuador Security: Ecuadorian authorities launched a crackdown on lucrative illegal gold mines near the Colombia border, deploying troops to San Lorenzo and El Alfaro after a state of exception; officials say more than 120 illicit sites operate there, with early clashes leaving at least three injured, and warn the mining boom could fuel organized crime. World Cup Build-Up (Ecuador): Ecuador’s World Cup campaign is getting attention in Philadelphia, where SEPTA says the South Broad Concourse reopened for pedestrian access ahead of the June 14 match vs. Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field. World Cup (Global): The UN’s weather agency warns El Niño may be moderate to strong through November, raising risks of drought, heavy rain, and heatwaves—conditions that could affect travel and event planning across the Americas. Drugs & Ports: Hungary seized a record 522 kg of cocaine hidden in banana shipments from Ecuador, routed via Germany, in a multinational operation. Immigration (US): U.S. prosecutors in Texas filed 350 new immigration-related criminal cases over a week, including an Ecuadorian national charged with illegal re-entry.

Colombia Politics: Far-right lawyer Abelardo “El Tigre” de la Espriella won Colombia’s presidential first round with 43.74% and will face leftist senator Iván Cepeda (40.91%) in a June 21 runoff, as President Gustavo Petro rejected preliminary results and raised concerns about the vote count. Ecuador–Colombia Trade: Ecuador moved to end its tariff dispute with Colombia by removing the customs security fee on Colombian imports, effective June 1, after months of escalating border levies. World Cup Ecuador Focus: Ecuador’s men’s team is training in Columbus, Ohio, where the FAA imposed temporary drone flight restrictions around the base-camp area through July 21. Health & Business: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics expanded access across Latin America and the Caribbean to Precivity blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid assessment, including Ecuador. Justice Cooperation: Italy’s ambassador to Ecuador joined a framework agreement between Ecuador’s Judicial Council and the penitentiary service to strengthen cooperation against organized crime. Workers’ Rights Watch: A new ITUC report says workers’ rights pressures persist worldwide; Argentina and Panama were added to the worst group, while Bangladesh improved but remains in the lowest category.