Argentina closed its 2026 World Cup qualifiers campaign in uninspiring fashion, losing 1-0 away to Ecuador. Although the result was of no consequence for the team’s World Cup pass, as they had already secured their ticket to the competition, it did hit them on a pride level, as the defeat knocked Argentina out of the top spot in the FIFA ranking after 29 months. 

In a match with virtually nothing at stake, many expected head coach Lionel Scaloni to try out some of the Albiceleste’s new talent. Instead, it was a stark reminder of some of the team’s failings.

With Lionel Messi rested after his send-off at the Monumental stadium last Thursday, Argentina cut an uninspired image. Ecuador was comfortably in control in the first half, forcing a couple of big saves from Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez.

Things took a turn for the worse in the 31st minute as defender Leonardo Balerdi misjudged a long pass by Ecuador, forcing defensive partner Nicolás Otamendi to intercept Ecuador’s Enner Valencia when he was clear on goal. He was sent off, the first time he’s seen a red card in 128 games with Argentina.

Ecuador took the lead in the added time of the first half through a controversial penalty. Referee Wilmar Roldán granted the penalty for a foul Argentina defender Nicolás Tagliafico committed against Ecuador’s Angelo Preciado after reviewing the play on the VAR. Valencia stepped up and scored the penalty to give his team the lead despite strong protests from Argentine players and staff.

The game was rebalanced in the 50th minute as Ecuador’s Moises Caicedo was also sent off due to a second yellow card. Argentina started to show its best version with forwards Julián Álvarez and Mastantuono entering from the bench, but it proved too little too late as the game went on to end 1-0 for the home team.

“We suffered at times, particularly after going a man down,” said Scaloni after the game. “But we were always in it. The team always tries its best and shows up to play.”

Questions over some of the players called up emerged after the loss. While Otamendi, Montiel, and Tagliafico are all past their thirties, their potential replacements don’t seem to have done enough to take their place. In a match where Argentina sorely lacked creativity and attacking flair, the reluctance to play the likes of Nicolás Paz, Exequiel Palacios, or even Mastantuono from the start is food for thought.

“The players leaving the national team are of incredible talent, and it’s hard to find players of that caliber,” said Scaloni, who insisted that he’ll “continue to trust” those who brought Argentina this far.

What now for Argentina?

After occupying the top spot in the FIFA rankings since April 2023, Argentina will now fall to third, behind new top-ranked Spain and second-place France.

There will be plenty of opportunities to claim it back. With just over 270 days until the World Cup, Argentina has two friendlies to play in October, against Venezuela and Puerto Rico in the United States. After that, it’ll play two further friendlies in Angola and India in November, with rivals to be announced.

With the World Cup draw set to take place on December 5, the Albiceleste will only have two tryouts during 2026. The Finalissima, the duel between the winners of the UEFA European Football Championship and the Copa América, is expected to be played some time in March, with another friendly match around the same time also in the cards.

Teams are also allowed to play two preparatory games in June, during the buildupto the World Cup.