Having already secured their World Cup spot and top position in the South American qualifiers, Argentina rested Lionel Messi and several key players. Giuliano Simeone, Nico Gonzalez, and Lautaro Martinez started in attack, while Julian Alvarez began on the bench.

Enner Valencia celebrates the only goal in Ecuador's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Photo: AP

Enner Valencia celebrates the only goal in Ecuador's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Photo: AP

From the outset, Argentina's reshuffled lineup struggled against Ecuador. They managed only 8 shots, none of which were on target, while the home side had 11 shots, 4 on target.

In first-half stoppage time, Nicolas Tagliafico elbowed Angelo Preciado in the Argentina penalty area. The referee immediately awarded Ecuador a penalty, and Enner Valencia converted past Emiliano Martinez to give the hosts the lead.

The match also saw each side lose a player. Nicolas Otamendi was forced off in the 31st minute after fouling Valencia, while Moises Caicedo received a second yellow card in the 50th minute for a foul on Nico Gonzalez.

In their match against Bolivia, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti also started most of his key players on the bench. He experimented with Richarlison, Lino, and Henrique in attack, while Raphinha, Joao Pedro, and Estevao came on as substitutes.

With the advantage of playing at home in El Alto and eager for a victory, Bolivia played an attacking game from the start. They had 23 shots with 10 on target, while the five-time World Cup winners managed only 10 shots, 3 on target. In the 4th minute of first-half added time, Miguel Terceros scored the only goal of the game for Bolivia from the penalty spot.

The victory over Brazil lifted Bolivia to seventh place with 20 points after 18 games, securing a playoff spot. Venezuela, who lost 3-6 to Colombia in another match, dropped to 8th place with 18 points.

Six teams from the South American qualifiers had already qualified for the World Cup: Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay. Argentina finished the qualifiers with 38 points. Ecuador finished second with 29 points, while Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay all finished with 28 points.

Thanh Quy