Introduction
The match between the Argentina National Football Team vs Ecuador National Football Team Lineups during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers was among the most talked about events across South America. Both teams entered the game with different goals: Argentina, the reigning world champions, aimed to keep their lead and Ecuador was looking to score crucial points during their qualifying campaign.
This article will break down what’s in the beginning XI and substitutions as well as strategic analysis, battles between players and the strength and weakness from this tense matchup.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers |
| Fixture | Argentina vs Ecuador |
| Focus | Argentina national football team vs. ecuador the lineup of Argentina’s national team |
| Date | 9 September 2025 |
| Venue | Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, Guayaquil |
| Result | Ecuador 1 – 0 Argentina (Valencia, penalty) |
Argentina National Football Team vs Ecuador National Football Team Lineups
Here are the officially confirmed starting teams for each team:
| Position | Argentina | Ecuador |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martinez | Hernan Galindez |
| Right Back | Gonzalo Montiel | Angelo Preciado |
| Centre Back | Leonardo Balerdi | Joel Ordonez |
| Centre Back | Nicolas Otamendi | Willian Pacho |
| Left Back | Nicolas Tagliafico | Piero Hincapie |
| Midfielder | Rodrigo De Paul | Moises Caicedo |
| Midfielder | Leandro Paredes | Pedro Vite |
| Midfielder | Alexis Mac Allister | Nilson Angulo |
| Right Wing | Giuliano Simeone | Gonzalo Plata |
| Left Wing | Nicolas Gonzalez | Alan Franco |
| Striker | Lautaro Martinez | Enner Valencia (Captain) |
Substitutes / Bench
| Argentina | Ecuador |
|---|---|
| Franco Armani | Kevin Rodriguez |
| Paulo Dybala | Jhojan Julio |
| Claudio Echeverri | Kendry Paez |
| Franco Mastantuono | Jackson Porozo |
| Jose Lopez | Diego Palacios |
Tactical Breakdown
Argentina’s Approach
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The team played in played in a 4-2-2-3-1 formation that included De Paul and Paredes holding midfield.
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Attacking trio: Simeone, Mac Allister and Gonzalez were the ones who supported Lautaro Martinez.
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Defender Anchor Otamendi’s red-card changed Argentina’s form and exposed the backline.
Ecuador’s Approach
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The team played to play a 4-1-4-1 formation with Caicedo in midfield.
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Difficulty of discipline: Pacho and Hincapie effectively neutralized Lautaro.
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Invading Outlet: Plata and Valencia were quick to counterattack and Valencia scoring the decisive penalty.
Key Player Battles
| Matchup | Why It Was Important |
|---|---|
| Lautaro Martinez vs Willian Pacho | Tested Ecuador’s defensive strength against Argentina’s striker. |
| De Paul vs Caicedo | Midfield battles shaped transitions and possession. |
| Valencia vs Martinez | Veteran striker takes on world-class goalkeeper – Valencia won the match through his penalty. |
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Aspect | Argentina | Ecuador |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | The midfielder has experience, his movement, Martinez in goal | Compact defense, Caicedo’s pressure Valencia’s leadership |
| Weaknesses | Discipline issues, dependence upon Messi (absent) | A lack of creativity in attack rely on counterplay |
Why the Lineups Mattered
The Argentina National Football Team vs Ecuador National Football Team Lineups have revealed the balance in the game’s tactical:
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Argentina Prioritized the possession of its territory and the control over building-up.
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Ecuador was a reliance upon defense compactness as well as counterattacks.
Valencia’s finishing and Ecuador’s discipline were decisive in overcoming Argentina’s chaotic defense.
Conclusion
The Argentina National Football Team vs Ecuador National Football Team Lineups showcased two different tactics: Argentina’s technical style and Ecuador’s defensive resiliency. Ecuador’s ability to remain disciplined and exploit Argentina’s mistakes helped them win 1-0. victory.
For Argentina the game was a reminder of importance of discipline as well as Messi’s ingenuity. For Ecuador it was a demonstration that a team with a solid structure can beat even the most formidable opponents.
