Argentina will take on Ecuador on Tuesday as they make the trip to Guayaquil for the 2026 World Cup qualifier without the talismanic Lionel Messi.
After scoring a brace in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela, Messi has been rested for this contest. Lionel Scaloni’s men have dominated South America’s notoriously tough qualifying campaign, sitting top of the table with 38 points from 17 games.
Meanwhile, Ecuador have secured qualification for their second straight World Cup appearance. They have been a tough team to beat in the qualifying campaign, recording seven wins, eight draws, and only two defeats.
However, Ecuador haven’t scored in their last four matches and all of their draws have been scoreless stalemates. So Argentina will enter as favourites, having won six of the last eight meetings against El Tri, including a penalty-shootout victory in the 2024 Copa América after a 1-1 draw.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Ecuador vs. Argentina live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this World Cup qualifier in the U.S.:
TV channel: N/A
Live stream: Fanatiz USA
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the U.S. Streaming options are available on Fanatiz USA in Spanish.
What time does Ecuador vs. Argentina kick off?
This World Cup qualifier takes place at the Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero Carbo in northern Guayaquil, Ecuador and kicks off on Tuesday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m. local time (ECT).
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Tue, Sep. 9 | 7:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Tue, Sep. 9 | 6:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Tue, Sep. 9 | 5:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Tue, Sep. 9 | 4:00 p.m. |
Ecuador vs. Argentina lineups, team news
Ecuador’s all-time record goal scorer Enner Valencia will look to end the team’s four-game goal drought, with 18-year-old Chelsea loanee to Strasbourg Kendry Paez expected to start just behind him.
In midfield, Alan Franco is available for selection after a one-match ban and could replace Angelo Preciado, while Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo who sat out of the Paraguay game, is being monitored.
In defence, Piero Hincapie is matched with Willian Pacho in centre back, while Joel Ordonez and Pervis Estupinan should start as the two full-backs.
Ecuador predicted starting lineup (4-4-1-1, right to left): Galíndez (GK) — Ordóñez, Pacho, Hincapié, Estupiñán — Franco, Alcivar, Vite, Angulo — Páez — Valencia
With Lionel Messi unavailable for selection against Ecuador, Lautaro Martinez is expected to come into the side after scoring a goal as a substitute last week. He will pair up top with Athletic Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
Thiago Almada will likely operate from the left wing while Leandro Paredes could continue in midfield alongside Rodrigo de Paul. Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister was rested for the last game after arriving late following Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Arsenal — he is expected to start against El Tri.
Due to Cristian Romero’s suspension, there will be a change in defence, and Leonardo Balerdi is in line to replace the Spurs centre back. Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi and Nicolas Tagliafico could retain their places, while Emiliano Martinez will continue in goal.
Argentina predicted starting lineup (4-4-2, right to left): E. Martínez (GK) — Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico — De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister, Almada — L. Martínez, Álvarez
CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Tuesday, September 9
- Ecuador vs. Argentina (7:00 p.m.)
- Bolivia vs. Brazil (7:30 p.m.)
- Chile vs. Uruguay (7:30 p.m.)
- Peru vs. Paraguay (7:30 p.m.)
- Venezuela vs. Colombia (7:30 p.m.)
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