Overview
After a series of high performance, the Argentine team has shown signs of decline recently. In the 3 matches after winning the Copa America 2024, they won 1, drew 1 and lost 1.
Apart from the win over bottom-placed Chile, Argentina have struggled in their other matches. They were defeated by Colombia in the Copa America final and held to a draw by weaker Venezuela. Overall, Argentina have dropped points in three of their last five matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.
The 2022 World Cup champions promise another tough match when they host Bolivia, a team in very good form. Bolivia have won 4/5 of their most recent matches in the World Cup qualifiers, including 3 consecutive victories.
Notably, Bolivia also met all three opponents that Argentina had faced in the past: Venezuela, Chile and Colombia. However, unlike Argentina, Bolivia won all 9 points. The most notable of which was the 1-0 victory over Colombia when they were down a man in the first half.
Recent positive results will help Bolivia gain more confidence in their away match against Argentina. Despite signs of decline, Argentina is still rated higher, in addition to home field advantage.
Furthermore, Bolivia currently have the worst defense in the tournament with 15 goals conceded in 9 matches. Against Argentina's star-studded attack, that will be a big problem for the visitors.
Argentina have won 14, drawn four and lost two of their last 20 matches against Bolivia. The 2024 Copa America champions have won their last four meetings with their opponents, including a 3-0 win in September this year.
Human resources situation
Argentina could make a change with Lautaro Martinez starting. Alexis Mac Allister could also be considered for a start after sitting out the draw with Venezuela.
On the other side of the front line, Bolivia will be without Hector Cuellar, who is suspended after being sent off against Colombia. Adalid Terrazas is likely to replace him, while Carmelo Algaranaz will once again lead the attack.
Expected lineup:
Argentina: Rulli, Molina, Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico, Fernandez, Lo Celso, De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Messi, Lautaro Martinez.
Bolivia: Viscarra, Medina, Haquin, Suarez, Sagredo, Terrazas, Vaca, Matheus, Chura, Terceros, Algaranaz.
The match between Argentina and Bolivia takes place at 7:00 a.m. on October 16 (Vietnam time).
