Lionel Messi and Argentina begin their journey to qualify for the 2026 Conmebol World Cup when they host Ecuador on Thursday 7 September.
It will be the reigning world champions’ first official test since they tasted top glory in December. Lionel Scaloni has called up most of the players who left for Qatar, although he has already started calling up new faces with the goal of setting up in 2026.
With the next World Cup expanding to 48 teams, Argentina and company should have no problem qualifying. However, Messi and co must start strongly against a promising opponent like La Tri.
World Cup qualification is almost in full swing for Argentina as they host Ecuador in the always competitive CONMEBOL qualifiers on Thursday. After winning the World Cup, expectations are sky high for Argentina, especially with Lionel Messi in top form for Inter Miami.
With his arrival in Major League Soccer, La Albiceleste will also have Thiago Almada and Alan Velasco flying the MLS flag. With the World Cup expanding for 2026, six South American teams will qualify directly for the World Cup, giving Lionel Scaloni more room to rotate and see what he has in players who wouldn’t normally make it.
How to Watch Argentina vs Ecuador in your Country
Argentina: TyC Sports Play, TyC Sports Argentina, Televisión Pública, DIRECTV Sports Argentina
Brazil: Canais Globo, NOW NET e Claro, SporTV
Croatia: Arena Sport 3 Croatia
Ecuador: TyC Sports Internacional, Canal del Futbol
International: Pluto TV
Israel: Sport 4
Mexico: Fanatiz Mexico, TyC Sports Internacional
Russia: Sportbox.ru, matchtv.ru, Match TV
Serbia : Arena Sport 2P