Reigning champions Argentina go head-to-head with Ecuador at NRG Stadium in Houston on Thursday, with a spot in the Copa America 2024 semifinals at stake.
The Albiceleste won all of their three games to top Group A in the opening phase of this tournament. They did not concede across the three matches, winning their most recent fixture 2-0 against Peru.
Ecuador, meanwhile, finished level with Mexico on four points after the teams drew 0-0 in their Group B finale, but Felix Sanchez's side claimed a spot in the knockout stages thanks to their superior goal difference.
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It is the second straight time that La Tri have qualified for the last eight of this tournament, while they have also advanced to the quarterfinals in three of the previous four Copa America events.
Argentina recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador in a warm-up game for the tournament, while the most recent Copa America meeting between the two resulted in a 3-0 win in the last eight of the 2021 edition.
MORE: Who will win the Copa America Golden Boot?
Argentina vs. Ecuador live stream, TV channel
| TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | FOX, Univision, TUDN | Fubo, Fox Sports app/website, ViX, Univision Now, TUDN app/website |
| Canada | CTV Two, TSN 4, 5, RDS | TSN+, RDS App, CTV App |
| UK | Premier Sports 1 | Premier Sports Player |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | — | — |
USA: Argentina vs. Ecuador from NRG Stadium will be televised in the United States on FOX, with a Spanish-language broadcast via Univision and TUDN. All three channels are available to stream on Fubo, with the latter offering a FREE seven-day trial.
Spanish language coverage is also available on streaming platform ViX.
UK: This match will be shown in the UK on Premier Sport Player's platforms.
Canada: All Copa America matches can be seen in Canada on TSN's respective TV channel and live streaming services. RDS provides French language coverage.
Australia: Australia's sole broadcaster for the Copa America is Optus Sport.
India: Unfortunately, there has been no official confirmation of TV and live stream broadcasts of Copa America in India. Reports had suggested that FanCode and Sony were ready to take up broadcast rights for the tournament but, as yet, that has not been made official. So at the moment, there is no official platform in India on which viewers can stream or any channel on which the match will be broadcast.
If Argentina vs. Ecuador is not available to watch live in your location, or if you're traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
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What time is Argentina vs. Ecuador kickoff?
This Copa America match kicks off from NRG Stadium on Thursday, July 4 at 8:00 p.m. local time in Houston, Texas, USA.
Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories around the globe:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA/Canada | Thu, July 4 | 9 p.m. ET |
| USA/Canada | Thu, July 4 | 6 p.m. PT |
| UK | Fri, July 5 | 2 a.m. BST |
| Australia | Fri, July 5 | 11 a.m. AEST |
| India | Fri, July 5 | 6:30 a.m. IST |
Argentina vs. Ecuador projected lineups & team news
The main talking point leading up to Argentina's Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador on Thursday will be talisman Lionel Messi's fitness. It was no great surprise to see the 37-year-old Inter Miami star sit out the clash with Peru after he required treatment in Argentina's second game against Chile. He even admitted after the match that he had felt "some discomfort" in his right hamstring.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion took part in full practices this week and there's confidence that Messi will prove his fitness in time for the match in Houston.
Scaloni also rested the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Julian Alvarez for Saturday's 2-0 win over Peru on Matchday 3, all of whom should return to the starting lineup for this game.
Angel Di Maria reclaimed his place in the starting 11 last time out, while Nicolas Tagliafico was the only defender to keep his spot, and Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez should reunite with him in a back four here.
With four goals in this competition so far, including a brace against Peru, Inter Milan hitman Lautaro Martinez is set to spearhead the Argentine attack against Ecuador, flanked by Alvarez and Messi.
Argentina projected starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): E. Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico — Di Maria, De Paul, Mac Allister — Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez.
After missing their previous encounter through suspension, Ecuador's all-time leading goalscorer Enner Valencia played the full 90 against Mexico, with John Yeboah making way. He will be the man up top to provide a difference as he looks to add to his 41-goal international tally against the world champions.
Kendry Paez is an attacking force from midfield for Ecuador. He is very positive with the ball and uses his electrifying burst of speed to get past defenders. Jeremy Sarmiento's athleticism makes him a problem for backlines, while Alan Minda is another exciting young impact player.
Defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo and defender Piero Hincapie create a strong spine for the team.
Ecuador projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Dominguez (GK) — Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie — Franco, M. Caicedo — Minda, Paez, Sarmiento — Valencia.
Argentina vs Ecuador prediction
- Score prediction: Argentina 2-1 Ecuador
Ecuador have plenty of talent to cause Argentina trouble and are capable of giving their opponents a run for their money, but expect the Albiceleste to come out and put on a display that showcases they are on track to defend their Copa America crown.
Argentina have plenty of individuals who can come up clutch and make a difference when it matters most, and they will ultimately do enough to edge out Ecuador.