Ecuador beat Argentina in WC qualifier

Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat by Ecuador in the final round of South America's 2026 qualifiers on Tuesday, reports Reuters.
Ecuador and reigning champions Argentina had already qualified for the World Cup, but there was no shortage of intensity in their match in Guayaquil.
Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi was sent off in the 31st minute and the hosts capitalised on their numerical advantage when Enner Valencia scored a penalty in first-half stoppage time.
Ecuador were also reduced to 10 men when Moises Caicedo was dismissed in the 50th minute, but they held firm to claim victory and go second in the table.
Despite the loss, Argentina retained top spot in the standings with 39 points, nine ahead of Ecuador.