Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup qualifier match.
Paraguay's struggle in front of goal casts doubt over their chances of securing a spot in the World Cup 2026. Their attacking play could see them fall into the realm of unwanted records. Ecuador, on the other hand, are being propelled by a new generation of talented players aiming for another major tournament.
Ecuador
Despite being penalised with a three-point deduction, Ecuador are positioned in the top four of the South American qualifiers, surpassing Brazil. In September, Brazil defeated Ecuador (0:1), though the match was evenly contested in terms of chances (9-11). In their subsequent encounter, Ecuador claimed victory over Peru (1:0), with veteran Enner Valencia making the difference. With overwhelming dominance, the team could have easily secured a more comprehensive win (12-2 in shots and 63-37 in possession).
Paraguay
Unlike their upcoming opponents, Paraguay managed a win against Brazil (1:0) in September, which can only be described as a stroke of luck. In 2024, they scored just five goals across eight matches, yielding only two victories. Although they currently sit in the seventh spot that offers a playoff route to World Cup 2026, even holding onto this position might prove challenging.
Ecuador vs Paraguay Prediction
Ecuador have not seen the total over 2.5 in their last five qualifiers, whereas Paraguay have yet to be involved in a game with over three goals in the qualification. It seems we are in for an uneventful encounter in Quito, with limited opportunities expected.
