Ecuador maintained their unbeaten home record in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a commanding 4-0 victory against 10-man Bolivia in Guayaquil. La Tri’s relentless pressure, quickfire goals, and dominance from start to finish showcased their intent to secure a World Cup spot, leaving Bolivia with little to no answers.
A Dominant First Half Display
Ecuador came into this match determined to make an impact early. Within the first few minutes, it was clear that Ecuador’s strategy was to stretch Bolivia’s defense by attacking down the flanks. The visitors were forced to sit deep in their half, battling against Ecuador’s constant pressure.
Despite their attacking intent, Ecuador needed more accuracy in the final touch during the opening stages. Guillermo Viscarra, Bolivia’s goalkeeper, was called into action early and kept his side in the game with some crucial saves. Ecuador’s golden opportunity to break the deadlock came in the 18th minute, but Enner Valencia could not convert a perfect cross from Alan Minda inside the six-yard box.
Red Card Changes the Game
Bolivia’s game plan took a severe hit when José Sagredo was sent off for a handball inside the box in the 26th minute, handing Ecuador a penalty. Enner Valencia stepped up and coolly converted, finally giving Ecuador the lead they deserved. Just moments after the restart, Gonzalo Plata doubled Ecuador’s lead with a delightful chip over Viscarra, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Ecuador nearly extended their lead before halftime when Valencia’s header found the back of the net, but VAR ruled it offside, keeping the score at 2-0 at the interval.
Ecuador’s Second-Half Surge
With 83% possession in the first half, Ecuador didn’t ease off after the break. Just four minutes into the second half, Valencia and Plata linked up again, with Plata smashing home his second goal of the night to make it 3-0. The combination play between Ecuador’s attacking duo was simply too much for Bolivia’s depleted defense.
The fourth and final blow came in the 61st minute when Alan Minda unleashed a long-range shot that caught Viscarra off guard, sealing Ecuador’s dominant performance. Bolivia, who had barely threatened throughout the match, sat back for the remainder of the game to avoid further humiliation.
Ecuador’s Qualifying Journey Strengthens
This resounding win puts Ecuador in a strong position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification standings, with 16 points from 11 matches (W5, D4, L2). They’ve now solidified their place among the top contenders and will head into a crucial clash against second-placed Colombia next Tuesday full of confidence.
On the other hand, Bolivia has now conceded 10 goals in their last two qualifiers, a worrying trend for coach Pablo Escobar. The Bolivians will hope to regroup as they face Paraguay in the high-altitude fortress of El Alto next Tuesday, where they’ll be looking for a much-needed win.
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Conclusion
Ecuador’s impressive 4-0 victory against Bolivia solidifies its reputation as one of the toughest teams to beat at home in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata leading the charge, Ecuador showed its quality and depth, moving closer to securing a spot in the global tournament. Bolivia, meanwhile, will need to make adjustments if it hopes to turn its fortunes around in the next round of matches.
As Ecuador prepares for a crucial game against Colombia, Kenyan football fans should watch La Tri’s progress in the qualifiers. Will they continue their unbeaten home run? Stay tuned, and don’t forget to make your predictions on BangSports!
