Introduction
It is game day at the iconic Estadio Monumental on September 9th, 2025 (11:00 PM UTC), as Argentina takes on Ecuador in the last World Cup Qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both countries qualified for the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico a long time ago, but there is pride, form, and momentum at stake here.
Betting, and for fans, this is a match with everything you want: tension, history, and tactics. Argentina will not have Lionel Messi, who said goodbye to the fans at his last home qualifier against Venezuela. However, Lionel Scaloni's men are still a high-powered team. Ecuador has become South America’s toughest opponent, with a stout defence conceding only five goals in 17 qualifiers.
Match Preview
Ecuador vs. Argentina Ecuador – Defence Wins Qualification
Ecuador opened this campaign with a deduction of three points but has cruised into their second consecutive World Cup. Their record (7-8-2) indicates a team that is more resilient than pacy.
Key statistics:
8 matches finishing in a goalless draw, including their last four fixtures.
0 goals scored in their last four matches.
Best defence in the CONMEBOL regions (5 goals allowed in 17 matches).
Coach Sebastián Beccacece has created a team that frustrates, smothers space, and abides by strict discipline. With players like Piero Hincapié, Willian Pacho, and Pervis Estupiñán in defence, they boast one of the toughest defensive duos in South America.
Argentina—World Champions, Relentless Attack
Argentina cruised through qualification, securing 12 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses while scoring 31 times—which is the most in CONMEBOL.
Highlights:
Qualification secured months in advance.
Released their webmaster Lionel Messi in Buenos Aires, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in his goodbye match.
An amazing seven-match unbeaten run since their loss to Paraguay in November 2024.
Argentina might still have Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo De Paul on their roster despite Messi not being around. Their pairing of experience and youth makes Argentina the odds-on favourite in most matches.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Ecuador Team News
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea)—doubtful due to fitness issues.
Alan Franco—returns from suspension.
Back line—Hincapié and Pacho play central defence, and Estupiñán and Ordoñez play fullbacks.
Attack—Valencia at the tip of the spear with Paez and Angulo behind him.
Ecuador Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Galíndez; Ordoñez, Pacho, Hincapié, Estupiñán; Franco, Alcívar, Vite; Paez, Angulo, Valencia.
Argentina Team News
Lionel Messi—rested, will not be travelling to the match.
Cristian Romero - suspended (accumulation of yellow card suspensions).
Facundo Medina - injured.
Lautaro Martínez—will lead the attack for Argentina in Messi's absence.
Argentina Predicted XI (4-4-2):
Martínez; Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Almada, González; Lautaro Martínez, Álvarez.
Form Guide
Ecuador W-D-D-D-D
Argentina W-W-W-D-W
Ecuador has struggled defensively, which has been the opposite of Argentina, who has dominated in attack. This match will almost come down to who dictates the pace in the 90 minutes best, either Ecuador staying patient and going for it or Argentina pressing the whole match.
Head-to-Head Record
Number of Matches: 44
Argentina Wins: 25
Ecuador Wins: 5
Draws: 14
Argentina hasn't lost to Ecuador since October of 2015, and they have won six of the last eight times they have played.
Key Players
Enner Valencia (Ecuador) – Experienced striker, Ecuador's leading goal scorer, likely to end wait for next goal.
Lautaro Martínez (Argentina) – Inter striker taking Messi's place and as Argentina's deadliest finisher
Moises Caicedo (Ecuador)—If he is fit, he will be key to stopping Argentina's midfield.
Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina) – A key cog to link their defensive midfield to the offensive side of the game.
Tactical Notes
Ecuador – Structure & Patience
Use of a defence block with four defenders and two midfield screenings
Play low risk, keeping clean sheets as a priority
Attack through counterattacks supported with set-piece opportunities
Argentina – Press & Purpose
Press with urgency through the midfield
Use width on the flanks when in transition with Molina, Tagliafico.
Use of Martínez-Álvarez's front two to engage Ecuador's back four.
The battle between Caicedo and De Paul could define the match.
Betting Tips
Expert tips
Argentina to win narrowly—they have more attacking weapons.
Under 2.5 goals—Because of Ecuador's defensive record, this is likely.
Lautaro Martínez to score anytime—Without Messi he is the most likely candidate to step up.
Prediction
While Ecuador is defensively solid, the depth of Argentina with both attacking options and the winning mentality gives them the edge. Expect a cagey contest with Argentina doing just enough to win the match.
Predicted Score: Ecuador 0-1 Argentina
Conclusion
The Ecuador vs. Argentina 2026 World Cup Qualifier is more than a dead rubber. This match will be a tactical battle, a test of depth without Messi. It’s also a chance for Ecuador to show their progress under Beccacece. For Argentina, keeping up the momentum is important as they head into the next World Cup.
