World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Valencia's Brace Secures Ecuador's Win Over Venezuela

Ecuador maintained their second-place position in the South American 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Venezuela on home soil. The hosts dominated from the start, with their all-time leading scorer, Enner Valencia, delivering a match-winning performance.

Valencia opened the scoring just before halftime with a stunning strike from a tight angle, showcasing his clinical finishing. He doubled Ecuador's lead immediately after the break, sprinting into the penalty area and chipping the ball over the Venezuelan goalkeeper. The 35-year-old forward also earned a penalty later in the match but was denied a hat-trick as his spot-kick was saved.

Venezuela pulled one back in stoppage time through a spectacular overhead kick by Jhonder Cádiz, but it was too little, too late. Ecuador held on to secure a 2-1 victory, solidifying their position in the qualifying standings.

Ecuador 2-1 Venezuela

Goals: 1:0 – 39, Enner Valencia; 2:0 – 46, Enner Valencia; 2:1 – 90+1, Jhonder Cádiz