The final round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup saw another fierce battle. Argentina, playing away from home, lost to Ecuador 0-1 after Otmendi was shown a red card and conceded a goal.

Two minutes into the match, Ecuador took a corner kick, Gonzalo Plata headed the ball but it went wide. In the fifth minute, Argentina took a free kick, Lautaro headed the ball despite the defense, but the ball went over the post.

In the 12th minute, Ecuadorian defender Enner Valencia received a pass from his teammate in the penalty area and shot, but his shot was blocked. He then found the ball again and volleyed it in, but the linesman flagged for offside and the goal was disallowed. In the 14th minute, Nelson Angulo connected on the ball and shot past the defense, but Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez immediately fell to the ground to collect the ball.

In the 30th minute, Enner Valencia received a long pass from his teammate and was brought down by Otamendi while attempting to attack. The referee showed Otamendi a red card for this, and Argentina had to hold on with 10 players. In the 38th minute, Argentina tried to counterattack, but Lautaro's pass from the center circle went wide.

In the first half of injury time, Preciado was knocked down by Tagliafico while competing for the ball, and the referee awarded Ecuador a penalty kick. Enner Valencia then scored from the penalty spot, giving Ecuador a 1-0 lead.

In the 50th minute of the second half, Caicedo brought down Nicolás González while trying to get the ball, earning him a yellow card and sending him off. Ecuador was left with 10 players. In the 69th minute, Argentina's attack was cleared, and Lo Celso's shot went wide.

In the 73rd minute, Ecuador intercepted the ball and launched an attack. Kevin Rodriguez dribbled into the penalty area and shot, but was blocked by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. In the 88th minute, Argentina created an offensive opportunity. Lo Celso received the ball and shot, but the ball went over the goal.

In the end, Argentina lost 0-1 to Ecuador away from home.