Argentina's futsal Under-17 national team beat Ecuador 5-0 at the CONMEBOL SUMA Complex in Luque to make a commanding start to the 2026 South American Championship. Santiago Basile's side collected their first three points in Group B and kept a clean sheet.
The opening match carried particular weight because Argentina arrived in Paraguay as champions of the 2022 and 2024 editions. After several months of preparation, the first challenge was to transfer that status onto the court and produce a complete performance against Ecuador.
Argentina took control in the first half and opened the scoring after eight minutes through Valentino Martínez. Thomas Barrios doubled the advantage only a minute later and established the 2-0 scoreline that remained until half-time.
The pattern continued after the break. Enzo López struck the third six minutes into the second half with a shot into the top corner, a finish that reinforced Argentina's superiority and prevented Ecuador from building any response.
Valentín Latrechiano completed a collective move after 12 minutes and Gian Soñer made it 5-0. Five different scorers shared the goals, reflecting the team's attacking involvement and its ability to create solutions through several routes.
The result delivered an opening goal difference of plus five and a firm platform for the defence of the back-to-back titles. Peru had beaten Bolivia 2-1 in the group's other match while Brazil had a bye; Argentina completed their first task with authority, balance and efficiency.
