Overview
Argentina will end their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a trip to Guayaquil to face Ecuador.
Both teams have officially qualified for next year's tournament, with Argentina leading the rankings, while Ecuador is fourth.
Ecuador easily qualified for the World Cup for the second consecutive time, despite being deducted 3 points in the qualifiers.
El Tri proved that they are a team that is difficult to beat with a record of 7 wins, 8 draws and 2 losses after 17 matches. However, those 8 draws have not been scored, including the last 4 matches, making them not an attractive team in terms of attack.
After the draw with Paraguay, Ecuador have gone 4 consecutive matches without scoring since Enner Valencia's double in the 2-1 victory over Venezuela in March. However, coach Sebastian Beccacece's team is proud of its solid defense, conceding only 5 goals in 17 matches - the best record in the South American qualifiers.
This resilient defense will be tested when they face Argentina. The home side are looking for their first home win against El Tri since a 2-0 win in the World Cup qualifiers in June 2009.
Argentina will have the opportunity to defend their 2026 World Cup title after qualifying with a record of 12 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses after 17 matches.
Despite winning tickets since March, the recent home match against Venezuela was still emotional for Lionel Messi - Argentina's all-time top scorer and appearing player. This could also be his last official home match for the national team.
Messi still played a key role in Buenos Aires when scoring a double in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Venezuela.
This result brings Argentina's total goals to 31 after 17 matches, 7 more than Brazil - the second-placed team. They will want to continue to show that strength as they look towards a 7-match unbeaten streak since the surprise loss to Paraguay in November 2024.
Argentina has reason to confidently end the qualifying campaign with a victory against Ecuador. They have won 6 of their 8 official matches against this opponent (D2) since their last loss in October 2015.
Personnel situation
Ecuador midfielder Alan Franco could play after suspension. Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo will need to be carefully assessed after sitting out the recent draw with Paraguay.
Ecuador's defense will have central defender Piero Hincapie and Willian Pacho, while Joel Ordonez and Pervis Estupinan will take up the full-back position.
Up front, Valencia - Ecuador's all-time top scorer - hopes to end their drought by bringing their total goals to 46.
As for Argentina, Messi is allowed to rest after playing his final qualifying match at home.The Inter Miami star could watch the match from the bench before returning to the club.
Lautaro Martinez will replace Messi in the starting lineup, while Leonardo Balerdi could take on the role of Cristian Romero, who is suspended after his fourth yellow card.
Alexis Mac Allister has no problems after a late return. The midfielder will still compete for a starting spot in the final qualifying round.
Expected lineup:
Ecuador: Galindez, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan, Franco, Alcivar, Vite, Paez, Angulo, Valencia.
Argentina: Martinez, Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Gonzalez, De Paul, Paredes, Almada, Martinez, Alvarez.
The match between Ecuador and Argentina takes place at 6:00 a.m. on September 10 (Vietnam time).
