Argentina is set to begin its campaign in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup with a strong push and a clear objective. The match against Ecuador is the first step in a journey that fans hope will culminate in another chance at glory for the Albiceleste. The venue is the iconic Más Monumental, and the date is Thursday, September 7, when the team will face Ecuador in a game that marks the start of a new era under Lionel Scaloni.
The team has spent a remarkable period under Scaloni, a run that has transformed Argentina into one of the most respected national squads in world football. As the new campaign begins, anticipation centers on how the squad will balance the need for experience with opportunities for younger players. The head coach has signaled that selection will be strategy-driven, prioritizing the depth of options available for each matchup. This approach suggests that the starting XI could vary from game to game, depending on the opponent and the tactical plan required for each encounter.
Fans and analysts closely follow the calendar as Argentina charts its path through the qualifiers, aiming to reinforce its status as a defending champion of the global game while continuing to nurture a generation of players eager to prove themselves on the continental stage. The leadership group around Scaloni is tasked with maintaining continuity while injecting fresh energy, a balance that has proven delicate but essential for sustained success. The schedule highlights a demanding sequence of fixtures that will test the squad’s cohesion, depth, and adaptability across different playing styles and venues.
What is the schedule for the Argentina national team? The plan for the reigning world champions in 2023 reveals a vision built on consistency, tactical flexibility, and a readiness to adjust to evolving competition as the campaign unfolds. The strategic emphasis is on forming a cohesive unit that can perform with or without certain protagonists, ensuring that the team remains dangerous and unpredictable for adversaries across the region.
WHY JULIAN ÁLVAREZ IS NOT PLAYING VS. ECUADOR
Getty
Julián Álvarez is not starting against La Tri because the coach has opted to deploy the center-forward position to Lautaro Martínez. Scaloni has explained that the decision is rooted in balancing the team and exploiting the different strengths each attacker brings to the field. Álvarez is capable of playing with Martínez or dropping deeper, but the coach believes that the overall balance of the attack is best served by weighing the options carefully for each game. The idea is not to freeze out any player, but to maximize the collective output by leveraging the variety in the attacking ranks. The possibility of a midfield or forward pairing evolving during the match remains open, depending on how the game develops and what the opposition presents on the day. This is a recurring theme in Scaloni’s strategy, where tactical nuance, player form, and match context drive decisions rather than rigid preconceived roles.
Source: Goal