Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Buoyed by a hard-fought 1-0 win over Peru, Ecuador will look to give fans yet another reason to celebrate when they take on Paraguay on Thursday evening. La Tricolor quickly bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Brazil, with the team regaining a much-needed confidence, but they need to keep on making progress if they are to book their place at the showpiece tournament at Mexico, USA, and Canada.
As Ecuador head coach Sebastian Beccacece can count on key players for Thursday’s qualifier, home win should be considered. La Albirroja, on the other hand, did well to shock star-studded Brazil at home in September, but given their difficulties on the road, we believe that there is a big value in betting on La Tricolor. Getafe defender Omar Alderete has overcome his injury, while Miguel Almiron should start against Ecuador despite losing his spot in Newcastle United’s starting XI.
Highlighted Team (Ecuador):
Ecuador had endured difficult times in footballing terms having been considered to be one of the more struggling football nations in South America, but the Tri have managed to transform themselves into a team that can never be taken lightly at the international scene.
Ecuador has taken part in three of the 22 World Cups with 12 position they achieved in 2006 in Germany being their best result so far. La Tricolor head into Copa America Centenario tied at the top of CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifying table and their chances of making it through from group B have been increased with good results and alike performances.
Ivan Hurtado played for El Tri since 1992 to 2014 and former centre-back remains the most capped international with 168 games to his name. Ecuador captain Walter Ayovi is the active player with most games in the national team, while Felipe Caicedo with 19 goals is the top scorer of Gustavo Quinteros’ side.