Arboleda excluded from Ecuador's World Cup squad

São Paulo defender Robert Arboleda has been left out of the final Ecuador squad for the World Cup. Despite being a regular presence during the qualification cycle, the player has been effectively sidelined from international duty due to repeated disciplinary breaches.

The controversy stems from a 2024 incident during a friendly against Italy in the United States. Arboleda, alongside teammates Kendry Paez and Gonzalo Plata, was spotted at a New York nightclub. The Ecuadorian federation stated that the images of the night out violated the values of the organization, leading to a de facto ban for Arboleda that has lasted over two years.

His club career has also stalled. The 34-year-old is currently suspended by São Paulo after leaving the club without authorization in April. He missed the match against Internacional and was later seen attending social events and playing amateur football in Ecuador. Since his return, he has been training away from the main squad.

The club is now actively looking to negotiate his departure, as it is unlikely he will represent the team again.