Ecuador National Football Team Vs Argentina National Football Team Lineups

Ecuador takes on Argentina for their final matchday of World Cup qualifiers on Thursday. Both teams have already qualified, so this match doesn’t carry much competitive significance, but provides coach Lionel Scaloni an opportunity to assess depth and give young players exposure.

Leonardo Balerdi will replace Cristian Romero, who received a one-match suspension after collecting five yellow cards, in the Ecuador National Football Team Vs Argentina National Football Team Lineups.

Meanwhile, Nicolás Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, and Nicolás Tagliafico are expected to continue in defense as Argentina maintain a strong backline for the encounter.

1. Moises Caicedo

Ecuador are determined to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and this international friendly should help them fine-tune their preparations at an impressive level.

A key member of their squad, Moises Caicedo will start this match from the bench as Chelsea midfielder prepares to make his national team debut.

Former Beerschot player Nikolic is known for being both a solid defensive presence and high energy attacker, making him an invaluable weapon against Argentines’ pacey attacks.

Additionally, this 27-year-old is capable of getting himself into the final third and providing ammunition to Enner Valencia up front, so will likely play an integral role in this contest taking place at Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa stadium which holds 40,958 spectators.

2. Enner Valencia

Enner Valencia has long been considered one of the premier forwards in South America. Playing for Pachuca in Mexico’s Liga MX and making Ecuador his national team debut, Valencia played an instrumental part in reaching 2014 FIFA World Cup by scoring two braces against Honduras during group play.

He holds an incredible 49 goal tally for Ecuador – his personal career best. Since joining La Tricolor’s lineup a long time ago, this striker has become a key member of their side.

West Ham and Everton in England before moving on to Tigres UANL of Mexico. He has also played for Fenerbahce of Turkey and Internacional of Brazil; now looking forward to leading Ecuador into another successful World Cup campaign in 2026.

3. Gonzalo Plata

Gonzalo Plata is an Ecuadorian footballer currently playing for Flamengo and his national team. He has competed in Serie A, Copa Libertadores, Supercopa Sudamericana and FIFA Club World Cup tournaments; with FotMob you can explore career statistics, match ratings by match-by-match comparison, transfer history trends, market value shifts, performance analytics and much more!

The Ecuador national football team is managed by Federacion Ecuatoriana de Ftbol and participates in men’s international tournaments under CONMEBOL rules. Their home stadium is Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa in Quito; home matches have traditionally taken place there since 2002.

Although once considered among South America’s weakest sides, their recent performance during 2014 World Cup qualifying and 2018 Copa America Centenario helped restore their status as formidable continental adversaries and now rank them among CONMEBOL’s top eight teams.

4. Jeremy Sarmiento

Jeremy Sarmiento is an attacking-minded box-to-box midfielder capable of creating chances for himself and others. He can add depth in midfield, giving them more attacking threat. There’s an outside chance he might start this match, depending on how well his recovery from an injury sustained at Brighton goes.

Sebastian Beccacece has taken over as Ecuador’s national team coach following their disappointing Copa America quarter-final exit, replacing Felix Sanchez.

Beccacece has introduced discipline, intensity and tactical flexibility into the squad under him; hoping that with strong World Cup qualifier runs they may avenge Qatar 2022 disappointment and earn their redemption through qualifying performances at this World Cup qualifier tournament. With such talented and balanced talent onboard they could challenge for top spot within their group!

5. Rodrigo De Paul

Argentina National Football Team, administered by Argentine Football Association, competes in FIFA-sanctioned international matches. Based in Ciudad de Bueno and playing home matches at Estadio Mas Monumental.

FotMob provides comprehensive coverage of Argentina with live match updates, squad information, transfer news and fixture lists and performance analytics for this national football team.

Lionel Scaloni must consider many variables when selecting his starting lineup for this match. Dibu Martinez returns after missing the previous friendly matchup and will be joined on defense by Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina will start as left back and Gonzalo Montiel as right back, while Nicolas Otamendi begins his final World Cup campaign on the bench. Rodrigo De Paul is expected to begin midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister.

6. Alexis Mac Allister

Mac Allister joined the esteemed Club Social Parque academy, boasting alumni like Diego Maradona and Carlos Tevez among its ranks. After making his senior debut during 2016-17 Argentine Second Division season – helping his side to promotion from below divisions – Brighton & Hove Albion would sign him permanently for 2019-20 season.

He helped his new club reach sixth-place in the 2024-25 Premier League, making 35 top-flight appearances and drawing interest from Liverpool who signed him that summer for over PS15 million.

He has represented Argentina at international level, starting all their World Cup qualifier matches in 2022/23. View Alexis Mac Allister’s shot map on FotMob to gain insight into his shot history this season as well as expected goals (xG).

7. Angel Di Maria

After an initially slow start, Ecuador has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing teams to watch in this year’s World Cup qualifiers. Led by experienced leaders and featuring young, energetic players alike, Ecuador remains a formidable opponent.

Moises Caicedo will add control to midfield play, while Enner Valencia provides leadership and an attacking outlet. Fullbacks Piero Hincapie and Willian Pacho add defensive stability while Pervis Estupinan adds width for quick transitions.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni may decide to make changes following their 4-1 win against Venezuela on Matchday 14; Leonardo Balerdi could replace Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero due to reaching his yellow card limit suspension.

Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi and Nicolas Tagliafico should continue as starters; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez will complete the starting XI.

8. Julian Alvarez

Julian Alvarez has long been one of Argentina’s best attacking threats, and will likely play an integral part in their World Cup attack alongside Lautaro Martinez who will compete for minutes at center-forward position.

Atletico Madrid player Kevin Gameiro has returned to training following a sprained ankle, and should be available for selection for their tournament. Plasma treatment was used to accelerate recovery; however, his injury is not serious so manager Scaloni may leave him on the field when tournament action commences.

FotMob allows you to visualize Julian Alvarez’s shot map this season, including expected goals (xG). Click here for more information about FotMob’s free analytics tool.

9. Rodrigo De Paul

Rodrigo De Paul is a young, energetic midfielder with plenty of potential who has already made his senior debut for Argentina. De Paul has much more to prove as one of La Albiceleste’s key cogs and could become an important piece come final match day.

Ecuador FC currently play their home matches at Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa Stadium in Quito, which holds 35,724. Their manager Sebastian Beccacece took over after Felix Sanchez was dismissed following Argentina’s 2024 Copa America quarter-final win and relies heavily on high intensity and aggressive pressing as part of Jorge Sampaoli’s philosophy – in his disciple role, Moises Caicedo serves as an all-purpose engine and offers balance midfield while Enner Valencia provides potency up front while Gonzalo Plata brings speed and flair into play – adding structure and maturity into his squad – that was previously lacking from Felix Sanchez’s tenure – but these men all provide structure as part of his approach!

10. Lionel Messi

Messi has made history throughout his illustrious career. Widely considered one of the greatest footballers ever and often considered “The King”, Messi holds numerous records at both club and international levels. Many consider him the greatest ever.

At the 2014 World Cup, he led an underperforming Argentina side into the semifinals and became the first male player ever to win its Golden Ball award – breaking Gabriel Batistuta’s scoring record at that same event.

In the Ecuador National Football Team Vs Argentina National Football Team Lineups, Lionel Messi remains one of Argentina’s biggest stars. In 2024, Messi guided Argentina to their record 16th Copa América championship and later secured his eighth Ballon d’Or award. He continued making history with his performances for club and country, adding more achievements with Inter Miami CF while becoming one of the most decorated footballers in the world.