Credit: Getty Images

Credit: Getty Images

Lionel Messi’s Argentina will next face Ecuador on Friday, September 8 in their race to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This will be Argentina’s first official game after winning the World Cup in December last year. Since winning the World Cup, Argentina have remained unbeaten in their friendlies, as they have won all four of their matches since then without even conceding a goal.

Although they played against lower-ranked teams like Panama, Curacao, Australia, and Indonesia, but it was good to keep the confidence high. The likes of Paulo Dybala, Geronimo Rulli, Giovani Lo Celso, and Joaquin Correa have been ruled out with injuries, while Atletico Madrid forward Angel Correa is back.

Ecuador had qualified for the 2022 World Cup but was eliminated in the group stage, with Senegal beating them to the punch. With three wins in a row, Ecuador is in excellent form going into Buenos Aires, as after victories over Australia and Bolivia, Felix Sanchez's team beat Costa Rica 3-1 in their last game.

Head-to-Head:

  • In 38 matches played between them, Argentina have won 22 matches, Ecuador have won three, and 11 have been drawn.
  • Lionel Messi is one of the top scorers in this fixture, with six goals. 

FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Argentina vs Ecuador

When and where will the Argentina vs Ecuador, FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier take place?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between Argentina and Ecuador will take place on Friday, September 8 at 5:30 a.m. IST at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Where to watch the live telecast of the Argentina vs Ecuador, FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier in India?
The live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between Argentina and Ecuador will not be broadcast in India. 

Where to watch the live stream of the Argentina vs Ecuador, FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier in India?
The live stream of the  FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between Argentina and Ecuador will be available on DAZN for subscribers in India. 

Where to catch live scores of the Argentina vs Ecuador, FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier in India?
The SportsTiger website and app will provide you with live scores and live updates of all the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier matches.

Predicted Line-ups:

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez,Marcos Acuna,Nicolas Otamendi ,Cristian Romero,Nahuel Molina,Alexis Mac Allister ,Enzo Fernandez,Rodrigo De Paul,Nicolas Gonzalez,Lionel Messi ,Angel Di Maria.
Ecuador: Moisés Ramírez; Félix Torres, William Pacho, Robert Arboleda; Pedro Pablo Hurtado, Carlos Gruezo, Moisés Caicedo, Pervis Estupiñán; Gonzalo Plata, Leonardo Campana, Alan Franco