Comments and odds on Argentina vs Ecuador: Tango is out of rhythm

Argentina entered the 2026 World Cup qualifying round in South America with the mindset of the reigning world champion. According to assessments, with home field advantage and an outstanding quality squad, the Tango team having all 3 points in the opening match of the qualifying round is an easy to predict result.

However, this will be a tough victory with a minimal margin for Tango dancers. Remember, most of Argentina's stars have just returned from a stressful period at the club level.

Notably, coach Scaloni's army often encountered difficulties and received unexpected results when facing Ecuador.

Going back to the 2022 World Cup qualifiers that just ended, Argentina only had at least one 1-0 win against Ecuador at home and then a 1-1 draw in the second leg on their opponent's field.

If you look at it more broadly, Messi and his teammates only got 3 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses in the last 9 confrontations against Ecuador in the South American World Cup qualifiers.

- Argentina: Martinez, Montiel, Pezzella, Otamendi, Acuna, Lo Celso, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Martinez, Gonzalez.

- Ecuador: Galindez, Porozo, Torres, Hincapie, Preciado, Mendez, Caicedo, Estupinan, Plata, Valencia, Estrada.