Argentina wrapped up their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Ecuador on Tuesday, finishing the match with 10 men and without captain Lionel Messi. The world champions had already secured first place in the CONMEBOL standings.
Nicolás Otamendi was sent off in the 31st minute for denying a clear goal-scoring chance, before Enner Valencia converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time to give Ecuador the lead. The hosts were also reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute when Moisés Caicedo was shown a straight red card for a foul on Nicolás González.
The result confirmed Ecuador’s second-place finish in qualifying, nine points behind Argentina. Despite both teams having booked their World Cup spots, the match was marked by a tense and physical contest typical of South American qualifiers.
