Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup Qualification match.
If Chile are going to mount a serious push for at least a play-off spot, it has to start here. Anything less than three points will further derail their slim hopes of reaching North America in 2026. Ecuador, meanwhile, remain in a strong position and can afford a slip, but a positive result in Santiago would go a long way in cementing their top-four status.
Chile
The hosts have been consistently let down by their blunt attack. Chile have managed just nine goals in 13 qualifiers – a worrying return for a side that often looks threatening but lacks a clinical edge. The recent defeat to Paraguay (0:1) underlined their issues: plenty of possession and attacking intent, but predictable in the final third and ultimately ineffective.
Ecuador
Ecuador are impressively placed heading into the final five rounds. They’ve already matched their points total from the last qualifying cycle (22), and currently sit second in the table. Their strength lies in a rock-solid back line – no side has conceded fewer goals (5) across the campaign. Even away from the altitude advantage of Quito, Ecuador remain compact and disciplined, letting in just three goals in six away outings – although they’ve also only scored three on the road.
Chile vs Ecuador Prediction
Each of the last three meetings between these two has featured two goals or fewer, and in all of them, at least one side failed to score. While either team could nick a narrow win, the smarter play is to back another low-scoring contest, particularly given Ecuador’s defensive stability.
