Ecuador vs Senegal World Cup lineup, starting 11 for Group A match at Qatar 2022

It's winner takes all as Senegal face Ecuador, with a Round of 16 spot waiting if either side can grab all three points. 

With Netherlands leading Group A and expected to sweep the already eliminated Qatar team aside, the runners-up spot in Group A is all to play for. 

Ecuador have the advantage: a draw will be enough for them. Senegal simply must win or  —  bar a freak result between the hosts and the Netherlands  — they'll be flying back home. 

Below are the confirmed lineups for both teams based on the latest news leading up to the match.

MORE: Netherlands vs. Qatar live: World Cup score, highlights, result from 2022 Group A match

Ecuador vs Senegal lineups

Gustavo Alfaro has insisted his Ecuador team won't simply play for a draw on Tuesday. Alfaro wants to go into the Round of 16 winning.

Enner Valencia's three goals in Qatar have only been matched by France superstar Kylian Mbappe. The Ecuador captain fired two past Qatar and another against the Netherlands. 

The striker has been the target of some tough tackles and admitted he "played with pain" during their second match  —  going off on a stretcher in the final minutes. A knee sprain was the diagnosis. 

But Valencia has been passed fit to start against Senegal. Alfaro said: "He has a big heart and wants to be in every battle for our national team. His leadership is something that we always need."

Alfaro has made two changes, with Alan Franco and Carlos Gruezo coming into the side alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield, replacing Jackson Porozo and the suspended Jhegson Sebastian Mendez.

For Senegal, Cheikhou Kouyate remains absent after being carried off on a stretcher in his nation's opener.

Pape Gueye, Pathe Ciss and Iliman Ndiaye come into the side, with Nampalys Mendy, Krepin Diatta and Famara Diedhiou dropping out.

Here are the confirmed starting lineups for both teams ahead of their match at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Ecuador confirmed starting 11

Ecuador (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Galindez (GK) — 17. Preciado, 2. F. Torres, 3. Hincapie, 7. Estupinan —  21. Franco, 8. Gruezo, 23. Caicedo — 19. Plata, 11. Estrada, 13. Valencia.

• Suspended: Jhegson Mendez

Senegal confirmed starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 16. E. Mendy (GK) — 21. Sabaly, 3. Koulibaly, 14. Jakobs, 22. Diallo — 26. P Gueye, 5. I. Gueye — 11. P Ciss, 18. I. Sarr, 13. Ndiaye — 9. Dia

• Injured: Cheikhou Kouyate, Sadio Mane (out for tournament)
• Suspended: None

Senegal's attacking plans were obliterated when Sadio Mane was ruled out of the 2022 tournament. Now their midfield has taken a hit too, with Cheikhou Kouyate injured. 

The Nottingham Forest star landed awkwardly after challenging for the ball during the opener against Netherlands, and was taken off on a stretcher. He was sidelined for the Qatar game and will miss the Ecuador match as well. 

Ecuador vs Senegal World Cup squads

Here are all the names on Ecuador and Senegal's current World Cup squad in Qatar (Caps correct as of start of Qatar 2022):

Ecuador

Senegal