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.
Argentina no tendrá a Messi
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.
Ecuador quiere romper su sequía de goles
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.
Argentina pasó por penales ante Ecuador en la Copa América 2024
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
