Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Ecuador and Chile face each other in a highly-anticipated World Cup qualifier at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado. La Tri did well to beat Paraguay 2-0 on Thursday evening, with Torres and Estrada scoring late goals at Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa. Ecuador are determined to retain their spot in top four, and we are positive that they will go for a win in Sunday’s qualifier. Despite failing to find the net in the triumph over Paraguay, experienced attacker Enner Valencia should continue to lead the line for the hosts.
The likes of Christian Oboa, Damian Diaz, and Alexander Dominguez have been left out of the squad. La Roja, on the other hand, will be without star player Alexis Sanchez in Sunday’s game. Since Chile failed to impress in a 1-0 loss to Brazil, we are tempted to put our money on La Tri this time out. Defender Erick Pulgar misses the match through suspension.
Highlighted Player (Enner Valencia):
Enner Valencia is a prolific 26-year-old striker who plays for West Ham United in the English Premier League. Nicknamed “Superman”, Valencia started his career with Emelec in 2010. He enjoyed league success with Emelec and was awarded the “Copa Sudamericana Golden Boot” in 2013.
He also played for Pachuca in Mexico winning the Liga MX Golden Boot in 2014. His goal-scoring record and pace caught the attention of West Ham which bought him for an estimated £12 million in July 2014. At international level, Valencia made his debut in 2012 and has represented the country in 24 games so far. He is one of Ecuador’s top ten goal scorers of all time with 14 goals.
He has already represented Ecuador at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2015 Copa America tournaments. Enner Valencia is Ecuador’s joint top scorer – along with Agustin Delgado – in World Cup tournaments with three goals.
Highlighted Team (Chile):
The Chilean Football Federation has been established in 1895 while Chile’s first-ever international game was a 3-1 loss to Argentina in 1910. The two countries formed a remarkable rivalry over the years and it was exactly against Argentina that Chile won their last major trophy – a 2015 Copa America title.
Prior to their 2015 title Chile had been runners-up in the competition on four different occasions. Chile triumphed in a dramatic final on penalty kicks to reach their first tournament championship. In a symbolic turn of events, Chile start their 2016 Copa America Centenario with a rematch against Argentina. The most capped player of the Chile national team is Barcelona goalkeeper who has past his 100-match mark with the squad he has been a part of since 2004.
Former Lazio and Juventus striker, the legendary Marcelo Salas is the leading scorer with 37 goals to his name. Key player to the current set up is Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez who has been the team’s leader on the pitch since 2006.