Ecuador vs Argentina – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Ecuador and Argentina go head-to-head in the final CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier this week.

Both sides have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with Argentina topping the table and Ecuador sitting comfortably in fourth place.

Ecuador vs Argentina – Match Preview and Team News

Equador Team News

Ecuador head coach Sebastian Beccacece has built a close-knit squad that has excelled defensively throughout the qualifying campaign. La Tricolour have conceded just five goals in 17 qualifying matches, with only one goal allowed in their last 10 games. Veteran striker Enner Valencia leads the attack, and the defensive quartet features Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie, PSG’s Willian Pacho, AC Milan’s Pervis Estupinan, and Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez.

Beccacece emphasised the team’s unity ahead of the match, stating: “There’s a very nice harmony within the group and we’re building a close-knit family. We have to value what we’ve achieved and the connection that we’ve been able to build with the fans”.

Argentina Team News

Lionel Messi will not be available for the match, having confirmed he will skip the trip to Ecuador to return to Miami. The captain scored twice in Argentina’s emotional 3-0 victory over Venezuela, which was his final World Cup qualifier on home soil. Cristian Romero is also suspended after receiving a yellow card against Venezuela.

Coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate his squad, with Lautaro Martinez likely to return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench to score against Venezuela. Nicolas Otamendi will captain the side in Messi’s absence. Leonardo Balerdi is set to replace the suspended Romero in defence.

Form

Equador: WDDDD

Sebastian Beccacece’s side have drawn their last four World Cup qualifiers 0-0, showcasing their defensive solidity. Despite the lack of goals, Ecuador have only lost twice in the entire qualifying campaign, fewer defeats than any other team. Their most recent match was a goalless draw away to Paraguay. Under Beccacece’s guidance since August 2024, Ecuador have maintained an impressive defensive record while securing their World Cup berth.

Argentina: WWWDW

The reigning World Cup champions have dominated South American qualifying, winning 12 of their 17 matches and accumulating 38 points. They secured top spot with a commanding 10-point lead over second-placed Brazil. Argentina concluded their home qualifying campaign with a perfect send-off for Messi, defeating Venezuela 3-0 with the captain netting a brace. Scaloni’s team have won four of their last five matches, including crucial victories that cemented their position at the summit.

Predicted Lineups

Ecuador: Galindez; Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan; Preciado, Vite, Alcivar, Angulo; Paez; Valencia.

Argentina: E.Martinez; Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes; Almada, Mastantuono; Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez.

How to Watch Ecuador vs Argentina?

UK viewers can tune in to Premier Sports to watch the match live.

Read Also – Lionel Messi gets Argentina farewell he ‘always dreamed of’

See More – Iconic Performances: The night Zinedine Zidane dominated Brazil

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