Badges of the football federations of Ecuador and Argentina on dark blue and sky blue backgrounds, respectively
ARGENTINA

Ecuador vs. Argentina: time, TV, line-ups, head-to-head record, and current form of each team

La Albiceleste will visit La Tri in the final match of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup with some changes in its starting XI

The South American Qualifiers are finally coming to an end. This Tuesday, Argentina, the undisputed leader and already qualified for the next World Cup, will visit Ecuador, one of the most consistent teams and still fighting for a well-deserved second place.

La Albiceleste arrives at this match with a six-game unbeaten streak, thanks to five victories, the most recent against Venezuela at the Monumental with a 3-0 score, and just one draw. Although no one can take away the top spot in this qualifying process, the national team will seek to maintain its level to remain at the top of the FIFA Ranking, although with several changes in its starting XI, including the absence of Lionel Messi.

Two players from the Argentine national soccer team celebrate hugging while a player from the opposing team walks with his head down.
Argentina will not have Messi | La Derecha Diario

Meanwhile, La Tri will try to end a goal drought that has lasted four matches, where it has only drawn 0-0 (Chile, Brazil, Peru, and the most recent against Paraguay). Its last victory was in March against Venezuela, the only one in 2025. In this context, Sebastián Becaccece will look to make an impact with some key returns, such as Alan Franco, who served his suspension, and Moisés Caicedo, who recovered from an injury.

Two players compete for the ball during a match between Ecuador and Paraguay.
Ecuador wants to end its goal drought | La Derecha Diario

Regarding their history, both teams have faced each other a total of 41 times, with 24 wins for Argentina, 5 for Ecuador, and 12 draws. Their most recent meeting was in the quarterfinals of the Copa América 2024, where they drew 1-1, with goals from Lisandro Martínez for La Albiceleste and Kevin Rodríguez for La Tri. Back then, the national team won on penalties 4-2, thanks to the outstanding performance of Dibu Martínez.

Players of the Argentine national soccer team celebrate together on the field after an important match.
Argentina advanced on penalties against Ecuador in Copa América 2024 | La Derecha Diario

Time and TV for Ecuador vs. Argentina

The last match of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup will be played tonight starting at 8:00 PM at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil. The match will be broadcast by Telefé and TyC Sports.

Possible Lineups

Ecuador (4-4-2):

  • Goalkeeper: Hernán Galíndez
  • Defenders: Joel Ordoñez or Ángelo Preciado, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié, and Pervis Estupiñán
  • Midfielders: Moisés Caicedo, Alan Franco, Gonzalo Plata, John Yeboah or Nilson Angulo
  • Forwards: Kevin Rodríguez and Enner Valencia

Argentina (4-3-3):

  • Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
  • Defenders: Nicolás Tagliafico, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, and Gonzalo Montiel
  • Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, and Rodrigo De Paul
  • Forwards: Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez

Referee Team

  • Referee: Wilmar Roldán (COL)
  • Assistant 1: David Fuentes (COL)
  • Assistant 2: Jhon Gallego (COL)
  • Fourth official: Diego Ulloa (COL)
  • VAR: Leonard Mosquera (COL)
  • AVAR: Keiner Jiménez (COL)
➡️ Argentina

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