Ecuador head into their final CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier with the chance to wrap up second place if they can beat Argentina in Quito. Their place at the 2026 World Cup is already secured, but this is more than just a dead rubber ,it’s about pride, momentum, and proving they can mix it with the very best.
La Tri’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay last week didn’t change anything, but it highlighted a nagging issue: they simply can’t find the back of the net right now. Four games without a goal has taken the shine off their qualification campaign, and with only 13 goals scored, they sit near the bottom of the CONMEBOL scoring charts.
But at home, it’s a different story. Ecuador are unbeaten in 14 straight WCQs in Quito, and the altitude advantage makes them a very difficult side to beat.
Argentina come into this clash relaxed but determined to finish on a high. Their 3-0 win over Venezuela last time out was billed as what could have been Lionel Messi’s final competitive home game, and La Albiceleste delivered in style. They’ve been ruthless during this cycle ,12 wins, 11 clean sheets, and 31 goals scored ,numbers that remind everyone why they are world champions.
Still, their away form has been less dominant, with two recent 1-0 wins following a patchy run on the road. It’s a reminder that even the best can be tested outside Buenos Aires.
History leans heavily towards Argentina, unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Ecuador. But Quito has caused them problems before – they’ve only won three of their WCQ trips there.
Meanwhile, Argentina National Team posted an exclusive video via its official X handle, showing the team arriving at Equador for the World Cup qualifying match, watch below;
Team News
Ecuador are boosted by the return of Moisés Caicedo and Alan Franco, both set to slot back into midfield.Ecuador’s home resilience and Argentina’s missing stars make this game a lot more intriguing than the table might suggest.
Argentina travel without Lionel Messi, who has been excused, while Cristian Romero is suspended. The good news for Scaloni is Alexis Mac Allister is available again after sitting out the Venezuela clash.History leans heavily towards Argentina, unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Ecuador. But Quito has caused them problems before – they’ve only won three of their WCQ trips there.
Possible Line-ups
Ecuador (4-3-3): Domínguez; Preciado, Torres, Arboleda, Estupiñán; Franco, Caicedo, Méndez; Plata, Valencia, Sarmiento.
Argentina (4-3-3): Martínez; Molina, Otamendi, Pezzella, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Di María, Lautaro Martínez, Garnacho.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Quito has always been tricky for visiting teams, and Ecuador rarely lose there. With Messi not playing, Argentina might lack their usual magic in the final third. Expect a tight game where both sides cancel each other out.
Prediction: Ecuador 1-1 Argentina
