The soccer world champion Argentina has won the first qualifying game for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The Albiceleste beat Ecuador 1-0 at the Estadio Monumental in the capital Buenos Aires on Thursday. Superstar Lionel Messi scored the final score for the hosts with a free kick in the 77th minute. Shortly before the final whistle, the captain of the Argentine national team was substituted against Exequiel Palacios from Bundesliga club Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
With the game in Buenos Aires, world champion Argentina opened the global fight for tickets to the 2026 World Cup. For the first time in history, 48 nations will take part in the finals. The final will take place on July 19, 2026. After the opening victory in front of their home crowd, the Argentinians will meet Bolivia next Tuesday near La Paz.