Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
A victory over Bolivia would significantly bolster Ecuador's chances of direct qualification for the World Cup finals. Bolivia, on the other hand, find themselves in seventh place and also need points to keep their hopes alive, potentially through the playoffs. However, achieving this against a robust Ecuadorian side is expected to be challenging, given the history of their head-to-head encounters.
Ecuador
Ecuador, under Sebastián Beccacece, have demonstrated solid defensive capabilities, conceding just four goals in their last ten matches, with only one defensive lapse across seven consecutive games. However, their attack isn't particularly strong, averaging 0.6 goals per match. Notably, in the 11 encounters with Bolivia, Ecuador have never lost.
Bolivia
Bolivia have claimed several important victories, including sensational results against Venezuela (4:0) and Colombia (1:0). However, their away performances are less than stellar, with just one win in five matches alongside four defeats and an average of more than three goals conceded per game. The Bolivians tend to play more confidently at their high-altitude stadium, but away fixtures have proven difficult. Their recent 6:0 loss to Argentina highlighted their vulnerabilities against higher-level opposition.
Ecuador vs Bolivia Prediction
Ecuador are the favourites for the upcoming match, particularly given their superior head-to-head record and strong defence. Bolivia are likely to focus on a defensive strategy and aim to limit the goals conceded. However, considering the visitors' weak defence in away matches, Ecuador are capable of securing a comfortable win. Therefore, we predict a confident victory for the hosts.
