Ecuador Beats Argentina in Qualifying Finale as Bolivia Clinches Playoff Spot

Enner Valencia converted a first-half stoppage-time penalty to give Ecuador a 1-0 win in Guayaquil. Argentina’s Nicolás Otamendi was sent off in the 31st minute and Ecuador’s Moisés Caicedo was dismissed early in the second half, leaving both teams with ten men. Otamendi must serve a suspension in Argentina’s next official match under FIFA disciplinary rules. Lionel Messi did not travel and was rested as Argentina had already secured qualification and first place in CONMEBOL. Bolivia beat Brazil 1-0 in El Alto to secure seventh place and a berth in the six-team inter-confederation playoff in Mexico in March 2026, while Argentina will drop from No. 1 in the next FIFA ranking.

Particle.news