Match Preview
World Cup 2026 Qualifying Preview: Argentina vs Colombia
Venue: Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires
Date: Tuesday night | Matchday: 16
Overview
World champions Argentina host Colombia in a key CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night, with Lionel Scaloni’s high-flying side already through to the 2026 finals and seeking to continue their dominant run. Colombia, however, are still deep in the qualification fight, clinging to sixth place with Venezuela hot on their heels.
Argentina’s Form
Scaloni’s team have been in ruthless form both at home and across the campaign, sealing qualification early with 11 wins from 15 matches. They extended their winning streak to four games last week with a 1-0 victory over Chile and have now won four consecutive matches on home soil — scoring 16 goals and conceding just once in the process.
Their last home outing was an emphatic 4-1 win over Brazil, and they have followed that up with equally dominant showings, including 3-0 against Chile and 6-0 over Bolivia. Despite having little left to play for in terms of standings, Argentina appear determined to maintain top form heading into next year’s finals.
Julian Alvarez has emerged as a key figure in attack with four goals in qualifying, while Lionel Messi — despite starting on the bench against Chile — could return to the starting XI to add to his six goals in the series.
Colombia’s Struggles
Nestor Lorenzo’s Colombia started the qualifiers brightly, even beating Argentina 2-1 in the reverse fixture. But since that high point, Los Cafeteros have spiraled into inconsistency and now find themselves winless in their last five games. They've collected just one win in their last seven and are hanging onto the final automatic qualifying spot with 21 points — only three clear of Venezuela.
Their recent struggles have included defeats to Uruguay, Ecuador, and Brazil — all direct qualification rivals — and their lack of attacking potency has been a key concern.
However, Luis Diaz returns from suspension and will look to reignite their frontline. The Liverpool winger is currently tied with Messi as the joint-top scorer in the campaign with six goals and could prove vital in a high-pressure environment. James Rodriguez remains a creative force, leading the qualifiers in both clear-cut chances created and assists, but he’ll need support if Colombia are to challenge Argentina in Buenos Aires.
What’s at Stake
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Argentina: Already qualified but motivated to extend their home winning streak and maintain momentum ahead of the finals.
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Colombia: Fighting to stay in the top six. A loss here could leave them vulnerable to being caught by Venezuela, who face Uruguay.
Prediction
Argentina are a different beast at home, and with Messi likely starting, they’ll be difficult to stop. Colombia have the individual quality to cause problems — especially with Diaz and James — but their form and confidence are waning.
Score Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Colombia