The Matchday 18 World Cup 2026 qualifier between Ecuador and Argentina will take place on September 10 at the Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo in Guayaquil. Ecuador vs. Argentina: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ecuador
Sebastián Beccacece's team has already secured their spot in the World Cup, but despite lacking tournament motivation, they managed a goalless draw away against Paraguay in the last round. This was the fourth consecutive 0-0 draw for the team in the World Cup qualifiers. Ecuador has dropped to fourth place but boasts the best defense in the South American qualifiers, conceding only five goals.
- Ecuador has kept a clean sheet in 9 of their last 10 World Cup qualifying matches.
- A maximum of one goal has been scored in 12 of their last 13 games in this tournament.
- Ecuador is unbeaten in 14 consecutive home World Cup qualifiers (8 wins, 6 draws).
Predicted lineup for Ecuador (5-3-2)
Hernán Galíndez – William Pacho, Pervis Estupiñán, Piero Hincapié, Angelo Preciado, Joel Ordoñez – Kendry Páez, Pedro Vite, Jordy Alcívar – Enner Valencia, Nilson Angulo.
Argentina
In the last round, Lionel Scaloni's team hosted Venezuela and easily won 3-0. Argentina will remain at the top of the standings, with a 10-point lead over their nearest rival. Argentina's unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers has now extended to six matches, with five wins and one draw.
- At least two goals have been scored in 8 of Argentina's last 11 World Cup qualifying matches.
- The team has not lost in 16 of their last 18 away matches in this tournament (11 wins, 5 draws).
- Argentina has scored exactly one goal in each of their last six away World Cup qualifiers.
Predicted lineup for Argentina (4-4-2)
Emiliano Martínez – Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Tagliafico – Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, Franco Mastantuono – Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi.
Forward Lionel Messi recently played his last home match for the national team. The Argentine captain will miss this game.
Referee
Wilmar Roldán (Colombia)
Matches – 21 (International matches, 2024–2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 122;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.8;
Red cards shown – 7;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 14%.
Ecuador vs. Argentina: Match Prediction
This clash features two teams that have been the most consistent throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign. Argentina suffered only three defeats in the group stage, while Ecuador had even fewer, with just two. Moreover, Ecuador's matches have been the least prolific in the South American qualifiers, averaging 1.05 goals, and they have conceded only five goals in 17 rounds.
It is likely that this encounter will also see few goals. Both teams lack tournament motivation. Ecuador scores sparingly at home, averaging about 1.2 goals per game in this qualification, while conceding only two goals in eight home matches. Argentina has also been less productive in away qualifiers, scoring just 1.4 goals per game.
My prediction: Total under 2 goals
