Chile vs Ecuador Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The South America World Cup qualifiers are heating up and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Chile vs Ecuador Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Chile are on the brink of missing out on the next World Cup, while Ecuador are flying high after yet another victory at home last week. The hosts are currently four points behind Bolivia in 7th, but having won eight of their nine points on home soil, this is a huge opportunity for them to close the gap.

However, it will be difficult against a side that has been so defensively resilient on their travels. Having conceded just three times in six matches, La Tri are a nation that can frustrate most – let alone those at the bottom of the table.

Chile vs Ecuador Prediction: Visitors set to frustrate desperate hosts

Chile, World Cup Qualifiers, Wednesday, March 26th, 00:00 (UK)

It’s now or never for Chile. After losing 1-0 last week to Paraguay, they fell to last place due to other results going against them, and the 2026 World Cup is beginning to look out of reach. 

They’ve not deserved to qualify, either. From losing at home to Bolivia to failing to beat Peru, while being brushed aside against Colombia and Argentina, it has been a campaign to forget for Chile.

Their only hope remains to get results at home and hope others fall – but even then they are pushing their luck. In Santiago, however, is where their limited success has come from. Eight of their nine points have been won in front of their fans, including 4-2 against Venezuela the last time they played on home soil.

They’ve been able to beat their closest competitors at home, but when the best nations have arrived, Chile have struggled. Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil have all beaten them, albeit by slender margins, but the hosts have lacked a punch when facing superior opponents. Their lack of firepower during their transitional period is costing them dearly.

And on Tuesday evening, they are set to face one of the most in-form nations. Ecuador sit in 2nd spot six points behind Argentina, which would only be three if they hadn’t been docked points for a federal decision.

La Tri have only lost two of their six away matches. Admittedly, they have only scored three but they have also only conceded the same amount. Their defence has been the foundation behind their success.

Ecuador only lost 1-0 against Argentina in Buenos Aires thanks to a superb Lionel Messi free kick, while losing in Brazil – by the same scoreline – is certainly no disgrace.

A backfour consisting of Pervis Estupinan, Willian Pacho, Felix Torres and Joel Ordonez whilst having Moises Caicedo protecting them, is one of the best back lines in South America. Chile’s attack will find it hard to find a way through.

At the other end of the pitch, Enner Valencia remains very much in form, having scored a brace last week against Venezuela – who missed a penalty to secure the match ball in the second half.

La Tri can frustrate Chile enough to at least secure a point, but they also have the quality to punish their weak defence and notch up another three points as they look to secure 2nd spot.

• Chile vs Ecuador Prediction: Ecuador +0.25 Asian Handicap
• Best Odds:1.975
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Chile vs Ecuador Prediction odds via bet365 as at 11:00, March 22nd, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Chile vs Ecuador Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups

Chile’s no.1 problem is their lack of no.9. Once again Eduardo Vargas (34) led the line against Paraguay, and although the forward had a good season in Brazil last campaign, he’s not at the standard required to help his nation secure a World Cup spot in 2026.

Colo Colo’s Lucas Cepeda started alongside him, but the 22-year-old is still learning his trade – and regular goals are hard to come for him at this level. On the other side, Gremio’s Alexander Aravena is working his way back to fitness after recovering from a slight injury.

Ecuador have no injury concerns ahead of their trip to Santiago, who are likely to remain unchanged after their 2-1 win against Venezuela. Kendry Paez was an unused substitute in that match, with Pedro Vite and Alan Franco preferred in midfield alongside Caicedo. 

Chile possible starting lineup:
Cortes; Suazo, Diaz, Maripan, Loyola, Vidal, Echeverria, Aravena, Pizarro, Cepeda, Vargas

Ecuador possible starting lineup:
Galindez; Estupinan, Pacho, Torres, Ordonez, Corozo Alman, Franco, Caicedo, Vite, Plata, Valencia

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