Early on Wednesday morning, Ecuador and Chile go head-to-head in South American qualifying for World Cup 2026.
Ecuador form guideThe home team heads into this clash on the back of a four-game unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying. However, a 0-0 draw in Venezuela last time out means that they have drawn back-to-back qualifiers.
They have struggled in front of goal of late in qualifying, failing to score in three of their previous five outings.
The five points Ecuador has picked up so far in the group have left them in sixth place in the standings in the last automatic qualification spot for the World Cup.
Ecuador are unbeaten in their last eight home games in World Cup qualifying, having recorded four wins and four draws. However, their recent home qualifiers have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in six of their last eight matches.
Chile form guideThe visitors have struggled for victories of late, having won just one of their previous six matches in qualifying. However, they are only below the hosts in the table courtesy of an inferior goal difference.
Nicolas Cordova’s team has been poor in attack, having failed to score in three of their previous four qualifiers, with all three of the games producing under 2.5 goals.
Chile has a poor recent away record in qualifying, losing five of their previous seven qualifiers.
A 3-0 defeat in Venezuela last time out means that they have suffered three consecutive away qualifiers, conceding at least two goals in their four straight away games. In fact, Chile has conceded at least two goals in six of their previous seven qualifiers on their travels.
What am I backing?This could be a fairly even and close affair. I don’t believe it will be a goal fest, which is why I am backing under 2.5 goals scored.