Ecuador Stuns Argentina with 1–0 Victory to Close World Cup Qualifiers in Style

Ecuador ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a night to remember, defeating reigning world champions Argentina 1–0 in Guayaquil. It was a match full of drama, intensity, and history — one that Ecuadorian fans will not forget anytime soon.

Valencia the Hero Once Again

 Ecuador Stuns Argentina with 1–0 Victory to Close World Cup Qualifiers in Style

The decisive moment came just before halftime. A VAR review confirmed a foul by Nicolás Tagliafico on Éngelo Preciado inside the box, handing Ecuador a crucial penalty. Up stepped captain Enner Valencia, who calmly slotted the ball home to score his 47th international goal — and what a milestone it was, arriving in his 100th appearance for La Tri.

Valencia’s strike proved to be the difference as Ecuador secured a famous win that capped off a strong qualification campaign.

Red Cards and High Drama

The clash wasn’t short of controversy. Argentina, already through as group leaders, were reduced to ten men early after Nicolás Otamendi was shown a red card. Later in the match, Ecuador suffered a setback of their own when Moisés Caicedo received his marching orders. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ecuador showed discipline and determination to hold on.

Historic Win in Guayaquil

This was no ordinary victory. Ecuador hadn’t beaten Argentina in Guayaquil since 2009, making this result a truly historic achievement. Backed by a passionate home crowd, Félix Sánchez’s men showcased resilience, tactical discipline, and the hunger of a side ready to compete on the world’s biggest stage.

What It Means for Ecuador and Argentina

• Ecuador: Finished the qualifiers strongly, extending their unbeaten streak to 11 matches. This performance sends a clear message — Ecuador will arrive at the 2026 World Cup in North America with confidence and momentum.

• Argentina: Despite the loss, Lionel Messi and his team still topped the table. Already qualified, Argentina will look to regroup and focus on preparations for defending their crown.

Final Thoughts

For Ecuador, this victory wasn’t just three points — it was a statement. Beating the world champions at home, breaking a 15-year drought in Guayaquil, and watching their captain Enner Valencia celebrate a record milestone made this night unforgettable.

Fans will remember it as one of the defining moments of Ecuador’s road to the 2026 World Cup.