Piero Hincapie
Image credit: Getty Images
Ecuador secured a landmark 1-0 win over reigning champions Argentina in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night, with Arsenal loanee Piero Hincapie delivering a standout performance at left-back while becoming embroiled in a heated clash with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister.
The victory, played out at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, marked Ecuador’s first triumph over Argentina in 10 years and their first on home soil since 2009. Veteran striker Enner Valencia scored the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time, converting from the penalty spot to propel Ecuador into second place in the South American standings and seal their place at the 2026 World Cup.
Hincapie, 23, who joined Arsenal this summer on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen with an option to buy for £42–45 million, was central to Ecuador’s resolute display. The defender completed the full 90 minutes, recording two tackles, three clearances, two interceptions, five recoveries, and winning two aerial duels. He also registered 58 touches and five passes into the final third, as Ecuador notched a fifth consecutive clean sheet in qualifying.
Piero Hincapie against Argentina (Image credit: Getty Images)
The match turned feisty in the second half, with both teams reduced to 10 men following red cards to Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Otamendi. In stoppage time, tempers flared when Hincapie’s robust challenge on Real Madrid prodigy Franco Mastantuono sparked an angry reaction from Mac Allister.
The Liverpool midfielder shoved Hincapie and wagged a finger in his face, but the Arsenal defender held his ground, pointing back and protesting his innocence. Despite the intensity of the exchange, neither was cautioned.
The confrontation adds spice to the growing Arsenal–Liverpool rivalry, particularly after Liverpool edged the Gunners 1-0 in their Premier League clash on August 31. Arsenal fans have since praised Hincapie’s display for Ecuador, hailing it as a promising sign ahead of his potential club debut against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Hincapie, who has spoken of his ambition to win trophies and establish himself in North London, continues to raise his profile on the international stage. Ecuador’s win not only boosts their confidence but also highlights the Arsenal loanee’s growing stature, setting the stage for fiery encounters in both international and Premier League football.