FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Bhavya Chadha
Argentina’s national team will visit Paraguay to play their next 2026 World Cup qualifier match. Paraguay have surprised everyone with their impressive qualifying campaign so far as they have managed to play a draw against Uruguay and have even registered a win against Brazil. La Albirroja are currently placed sixth in the table and are one of the favourites to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. If Paraguay manage to do so, they will play their first World Cup since 2010.
Argentina on the other hand are sitting at the summit of the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifier table. The defending World Champions continue to assert their dominance all over South America. They have accumulated 22 points from their opening 10 matches with seven wins, two losses, and one draw.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has done a fantastic job in rebuilding the team. His flexible tactical approach has proved to be very successful for Argentina.
Meanwhile, the Paraguay Football Federation has banned any merchandise related to Lionel Messi in the stadium to ensure that there will be a positive environment for the home side. This gesture was not appreciated by some fans and these off-field stories will definitely enhance the drama and excitement when these two teams go head to head.
Friday, November 15, 2024 at 5:00 AM IST
Venue: Estadio Defensores del Chaco
Paraguay (in all competitions): W-D-W-D-L
Argentina (in all competitions): W-D-L-W-W
The day these guys don’t show up in style, start worrying 😎 pic.twitter.com/qIMEySONHE
The Inter Miami midfielder enjoyed one of his best professional seasons in 2024. He was crucial for the Herons in securing the MLS Supporters’ Shield. He also scored Paraguay’s only goal against Brazil which gave them all three points back in September. He will be crucial for Paraguay and head coach Gustavo Alfaro will be expecting a great performance from him.
After crashing out of the MLS playoffs with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi only has two games left to play in 2024. He scored a hat-trick the last time he captained his national team against Bolivia. The captain will be highly motivated to end a successful year on a high.
He is currently the top goalscorer in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and will look to maintain his place at the summit of the goalscoring chart.
Paraguay will have their full squad available for selection.
Argentina on the other hand will be without their veteran defender German Pezzella due to a calf muscle strain.
Total matches: 17
Paraguay won: 3
Argentina won: 7
Draws: 7
#Albirroja ⚪🔴📄 Lista 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 de convocados para los encuentros ante @Argentina 🇦🇷 y @laverde_fbf 🇧🇴⚽ Clasificatorias rumbo a la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026.👉 Fechas 11 y 12🔗 https://t.co/mTVJLvO82k#VamosParaguay 🇵🇾#ElRenacerAlbirrojo 🙌 pic.twitter.com/jKXNGhfonz
Fernandez(GK); Alonso, Alderete, Gómez, Cáceres; Gómez, Cubas; Sosa, Enciso, Almirón; Pitta
Martinez(GK); Tagliafico, Martinez, Romero, Molina; Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul; Messi; Alvarez, Martinez
Despite Paraguay being in great form, Argentina are coming into this game as favourites. La Albiceleste continue to dominate world football with its incredible squad and flexible tactical set-up. They have only lost three games in the last five years.
Match Prediction: Paraguay 0-2 Argentina
India – TBD
UK – Premier Sports Player, Premier Sports 1
US – ViX, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
Nigeria – Startimes World Football
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