Match Preview - Ecuador vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Match

Ecuador vs Argentina is another big match of the South American qualifiers. Ecuador and Argentina, two nations, have already sealed their places at the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament.

Ecuador host Argentina in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, Guayaquil, with kick-off around 4:00 PM local time (23:00 UTC). Ecuador vs Argentina, Lionel Messi will not play against Ecuador following their victory over Venezuela, as he has an MLS match.

The champions arrive after a home match versus Venezuela earlier in the window, while Ecuador looks to solidify their qualifying position at altitude. Both teams bring contrasting momentum into Tuesday’s clash – Argentina riding high after Messi’s emotional farewell victory, while Ecuador looks to bounce back from a frustrating draw and deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd.

Ecuador vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Match, team news, H2H, lineups, and prediction

Ecuador vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Match Preview

Argentina’s last match performance

Argentina 3-0 Venezuela (September 5, 2025): Lionel Messi scored twice in what was potentially his final home World Cup qualifier, leading Argentina to a dominant 3-0 victory at Estadio Monumental. Messi opened scoring in the 39th minute with assistance from Julián Álvarez, then sealed the win with his second goal in the 80th minute. Lautaro Martínez added the second goal in the 76th minute with a diving header from Nico González’s cross.

The victory maintained Argentina’s position at the top of CONMEBOL qualifying, with 38 points from 17 matches, having already secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup. Messi’s emotional performance included visible tears during the anthem, with over 80,000 fans providing thunderous support.

Ecuador’s last match performance

Paraguay 0-0 Ecuador (September 5, 2025): Ecuador managed a goalless draw away to Paraguay in their most recent qualifier. This result helped Paraguay secure their first World Cup berth in 16 years while Ecuador slipped to fourth place in the CONMEBOL table with 26 points.

The draw means Ecuador have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, sitting in the automatic qualification spots, but they’ll be looking to finish the campaign strongly at home against Argentina.

New England Revolution forward Leonardo Campana was called up to the Ecuador squad for these September qualifiers, adding attacking depth for the home match against Argentina.

Competition details

Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL) — Matchday in September window.
Date & kick-off: Tuesday, 9 September 2025 — approx. 23:00 UTC / evening local in Guayaquil.
Venue: Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, Guayaquil (Barcelona SC’s ground).
Broadcast: Regional TV/stream per rights-holders; check local listings near matchday.

Ecuador vs Argentina 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Argentina enters this game amid a dense September slate, having named a 29-player list featuring regulars under Lionel Scaloni; the group is balancing form and rotation after facing Venezuela earlier in the window. Emerging talents such as Claudio Echeverri and Franco Mastantuono have also drawn attention among call-ups.

Ecuador’s home advantage in Guayaquil and typically strong defensive structure make them a difficult opponent, especially with crowd intensity and the physical demands they impose; they have generally been solid across recent qualifiers.

Tactics & key players

Argentina (tactics): Expect a compact 4-4-2/4-3-3 out of possession with aggressive counter-pressing and controlled build-up through the double pivot and full-backs; set-piece quality and half-space combos remain decisive.
Key Argentina players: Emiliano Martínez (shot-stopping and command), Cristian Romero (duels), Alexis Mac Allister/Rodrigo De Paul (control and progression), Lautaro Martínez/Julián Álvarez (movement and finishing).
Ecuador (tactics): Compact mid-block shifting to vertical transitions, strong wing thrust and set-piece targeting; expect emphasis on rapid wide-to-central counters.

Ecuador vs Argentina Match Info

Fixture – Ecuador vs Argentina — 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier (CONMEBOL)
Date – Tuesday, 9 September 2025
Kick-off – approx. 23:00 UTC (check local listings for exact time)
Venue – Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, Guayaquil
Referee – To be confirmed near matchday via official channelshttps://worldsoccertalk.com/news/why-is-lionel-messi-not-playing-against-ecuador-argentina-star-reveals-reason-for-missing-world-cup-qualifier/
TV / Live stream – Per country rights; confirm with local broadcasters closer to kick-off

Ecuador Predicted XI vs Argentina Predicted XI (World Cup Qualifier)

Below are best-estimate lineups based on recent call-ups and reporting.

Argentina’s full roster highlights

Notables: Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Tagliafico, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Lionel Messi are listed among attacking options.

Argentina probable XI (4-3-3)

Martinez; Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Gonzalez, De Paul, Paredes, Almada; Martinez, Alvarez

Ecuador’s full roster highlights

Core expectation: Organized back line, energetic midfield carriers, and direct outlets up front for counters; Guayaquil selection typically favors intensity and set-piece execution.

Ecuador probable XI (4-3-3/4-2-3-1)

Galindez; Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan; Franco, Alcivar, Vite; Paez, Angulo, Valencia

Recent form and H2H

Argentina: Entered this international window top-tier in South America, with a strong qualifying run and momentum under Scaloni across 2023–25, including resilience after setbacks.

Ecuador: Competitive through the cycle and usually formidable at home, leveraging structure and set pieces to grind results.

H2H: Argentina defeated Ecuador 1–0 in their previous World Cup qualifier meeting in 2023; the rivalry has leaned toward Argentina in recent cycles.

Final prediction

Prediction: Argentina 1–0 Ecuador — Expect a tight game decided by a moment of quality from Argentina against Ecuador’s compact shape and intense home environment. (Preview opinion; form/context based)