Overview
Argentina has maintained a very high level of performance since winning the 2022 World Cup. In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America, they are leading the rankings with 18 points after 7 matches. Argentina is likely to soon qualify for the World Cup as they are 4 points ahead of the 2nd place team.
In this round, Argentina will face Colombia - the only team still unbeaten in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America. However, Colombia has drawn 4 matches, leaving them with only 13 points, 5 points behind Argentina.
If Colombia defeats Argentina in the next match, they will reduce the gap to 2 points and create momentum for themselves. On the contrary, if they lose, Colombia's chances of catching up with Argentina will be significantly reduced.
Colombia has been in good form recently. At Copa America 2024, although not highly rated, Colombia still deservedly won the runner-up position. Although disappointing with a 1-1 draw against Peru in the last match, this team cannot be underestimated.
Argentina was the team that defeated Colombia in the final of Copa America 2024. Despite the absence of captain Lionel Messi in this training session, they still showed an impressive performance.
Lionel Scaloni's side beat Chile 3-0 in their last game. Colombia are always tough to beat at home, but that may not be enough to knock out the world champions.
Human resources situation
Colombia will be without David Ospina and Davinson Sanchez due to injury. These are the home team's most experienced players.
James Rodriguez only came off the bench against Peru and has not played much since the 2024 Copa America final. However, he is likely to start against Argentina.
On the other side of the front line, Argentina lacks the inspiration of Messi. The former Barcelona player is still treating the ankle injury he suffered in the 2024 Copa America final.
Nicolas Tagliafico, Leonardo Balerdi and Exequiel Palacios are also absent through injury, while Lucas Martinez is left out. Otherwise, Argentina have no significant changes to the squad that beat Colombia two months ago.
Expected lineup:
Colombia : Vargas, Munoz, Lucumi, Mina, Mojica, Rios, Lerma, Arias, James, Duran, Diaz.
Argentina : E. Martinez, Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, De Paul, Mac Allister, E. Fernandez, Lo Celso, Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez.
The match between Colombia and Argentina takes place at 3:30 a.m. on September 11 (Vietnam time).
