2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Argentina vs. Ecuador odds, picks, predictions: Best bets for Thursday's match from proven soccer expert

After winning their third title last year, Argentina begin their quest to repeat when they host Ecuador in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying opening match on Thursday. Argentina defeated France on penalties last December to win the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Superstar Lionel Messi, who has been playing for Inter Miami of MLS, will be on the pitch for the Argentinians in their first qualifier. Ecuador failed to advance past the group stage last year and have done so just once in four opportunities.

Kickoff at Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires is set for 8 p.m. ET. The Argentinians are -360 favorites (risk $360 to win $100) in the latest Argentina vs. Ecuador odds, while the Ecuadorians are +1000 underdogs. A 90-minute draw is priced at +380 and the over/under for total goals scored is 2.5. (.)

Before you lock in your Ecuador vs. Argentina picks or World Cup Qualifying predictions, you NEED to see what soccer bettor Jon "Buckets" Eimer has to say.

Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, he has covered the English Premier League, Serie A, the FA Cup and much more. Since the end of last year's Men's World Cup, Eimer has been red-hot on English Premier League picks, going 57-27-4 for a profit of $3,450 for $100 bettors. Overall, he is 178-169-8 (+18.91) on men's soccer picks over that span. Anyone following him is WAY up.

Eimer knows that Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in their group-stage opener of the 2022 World Cup but were perfect afterward, reeling off six consecutive victories en route to the title. They've also won all four of their international friendlies since defeating France, posting a clean sheet in each match while scoring a total of 13 goals. Unsurprisingly, Messi has been the offensive star for the club with five tallies and an assist in three contests. 

The expert also has considered that Ecuador also have played well since going 1-1-1 in last year's World Cup. The team began the year with a loss to Australia in a friendly but avenged that defeat four days later and went on to win its next two matches. Forward Enner Valencia and defender Willian Pacho both tallied in Ecuador's 3-1 triumph over Costa Rica on June 20, giving them the team lead in 2023 with two goals apiece.

Eimer has taken an in-depth look at the Argentina vs. Ecuador showdown and is leaning Over on the goal total. He also has locked in a pair of CONFIDENT best bets, including one that pays plus money, while offering a full breakdown of this 2026 World Cup Qualifying matchup! You ABSOLUTELY need to see his picks and analysis before making any selections of your own.