Match Preview and Key Information
This 18th-round FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification match between the national teams of Ecuador and Argentina is scheduled for September 10 at the “Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo” stadium in Guayaquil. This analysis provides a prediction, betting odds, and key statistics for Ecuador vs. Argentina.Ecuador
Ecuador’s Form and Qualification Status
Sebastián Beccacece’s squad has already secured their place in the World Cup. Despite lacking tournament motivation, they managed a goalless draw away against Paraguay (0-0) in their last fixture. This marks their fourth consecutive goalless draw in the World Cup qualifiers. Ecuador currently sits in 4th place and boasts the best defense in the South American qualifiers, having conceded only 5 goals.
- Ecuador has kept a clean sheet in 9 of their last 10 World Cup qualifying matches.
- A maximum of 1 goal has been scored in 12 of the team’s last 13 matches in this tournament.
- At home, the Ecuadorians boast a 14-match unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers (8 wins and 6 draws).
Ecuador’s Projected Starting Lineup (5-3-2)*
Ecuador Predicted Starting Lineup
Hernán Galíndez – William Pacho, Pervis Estupiñán, Piero Hincapié, Angelo Preciado, Joel Ordóñez – Kendry Páez, Pedro Vite, Jhojan Alcívar – Enner Valencia, Nilson Angulo.
Argentina
Argentina’s Undefeated Run
In their previous match, the squad comfortably defeated Venezuela 3-0 on home turf. Lionel Scaloni’s men are guaranteed to finish first in the standings, holding a commanding 10-point lead over their closest contender. The Argentinians’ impressive unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers has now extended to six matches, comprising five wins and one draw.
- At least two goals have been scored in 8 of Argentina’s last 11 World Cup qualifying matches.
- The national team has avoided defeat in 16 of their last 18 away matches in this tournament (11 wins and 5 draws).
- Argentina has scored exactly 1 goal in their last 6 away World Cup qualifying matches.
Argentina’s Projected Starting Lineup (4-4-2)*
Argentina Predicted Starting Lineup
Emiliano Martínez – Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Tagliafico – Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Franco Mastantuono – Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi.
Key Player Absence: Lionel Messi
Forward Lionel Messi recently played his final home match for the national team and will miss this upcoming encounter.
Match Official
Referee Profile: Wilmar Roldán
Wilmar Roldán (Colombia)
Referee Statistics: Matches Officiated
Matches officiated – 21 (International matches, 2024–2025);
Referee Statistics: Yellow Cards
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 122;
Referee Statistics: Average Yellow Cards
Average yellow cards per match – 5.8;
Referee Statistics: Red Cards
Red cards shown – 7;
Referee Statistics: Fouls
Average fouls per match – 23;
Referee Statistics: Penalties
Penalties awarded – 14%.
Ecuador vs Argentina Match Prediction
Comprehensive Match Analysis
This match features two of the most consistent and top-performing teams throughout the World Cup qualifying tournament. Argentina has suffered only 3 losses across the entire group stage, while Ecuador has an even better record with just 2 defeats. Furthermore, Ecuador’s matches have been the lowest-scoring in the South American qualifiers, averaging only 1.05 goals, with the team conceding a mere 5 goals after 17 rounds.
Projected Low-Scoring Affair
It is highly probable that this encounter will also see a limited number of goals. Both national teams have already secured their qualification and lack further tournament motivation. Ecuador scores sparingly at home, averaging around 1.2 goals per game in these qualifiers, while having conceded only 2 goals in 8 home matches. Argentina has also not been particularly prolific in their away qualifying matches, scoring just 1.4 goals on average.
Expert Betting Recommendation
My prediction for this match is “Total Goals Under 2” with odds of 1.75.
Important Note on Lineups
* The starting lineup listed for each team reflects their formation from their previous match in this tournament.
Mark Thompson