Ecuador vs. Colombia: Preview and betting tips

Early Wednesday morning, the 2026 World Cup qualifiers are on the schedule. Although the tournament seems far away, the drawn-out South American leg of the battle to qualify is in full swing. Ecuador and Colombia are both contenders to qualify!

Ecuador is handling the start of World Cup qualifying well, having only fallen to Argentina by six points after three rounds. However, due to the three-point deduction, they are only seventh in the table, just a point behind the qualifying Top 4.

Along with Brazil and Argentina, Colombia is the only unbeaten side, with a win over Venezuela and draws against Uruguay and Chile enough to take third place. However, it has only a one-point lead over fifth-placed Chile. After the non-participation in Qatar, she has her motivation taken care of.

Ecuador’s key figures

The home side’s biggest star Moises Caicedo has been struggling in Chelsea so far and needs to play with a young team. Enner Valencia had an excellent winter championship, and he is now kicking for Brazil’s Serie A side.

Colombia’s key figures

Winger Luis Diaz is pulling for the visitors, scoring three times and assisting once for Liverpool since the start of the season. In England, spearhead striker Jhon Durán has caught on very quickly and has netted four goals for Aston Villa.

What to expect and what to bet on?

Ecuador, despite a decent record in Qatar, are not exactly in form, winning only six of their last 13 games. It only drew with Iraq, for example, and even got a three-pointer from Australia in March.

Colombia, on the other hand, has the longest unbeaten streak in recent years, currently 14 games. Its last defeat was in February 2022 against Argentina, since when it has beaten Germany, Mexico and Japan.

Considering Colombia’s long-standing form, Ecuador’s inconsistent performances and the individual quality of Diaz, I think the visitors will take at least a point on hot Ecuadorian soil.

Betting tip | Colombia to lose

Source: FIFA, Transfermarkt, CONMEBOL