Uruguay vs Argentina

Estadio Centenario forms the backdrop for a mouth-watering 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Uruguay and Argentina. 

Two of CONMEBOL’s top World Cup qualifying contenders clash as third-placed Uruguay look to cut a five-point deficit to leaders Argentina and edge closer to qualification. La Celeste already stunned the world champions once in this cycle, securing a 2-0 win in Buenos Aires last November to end a seven-match winless run in this fixture (D2, L5). Uruguay have been a formidable force in Montevideo, winning nine of their previous 11 home games (D2). That streak began after Argentina’s 1-0 victory in the capital in November 2021, but recent defensive solidity – four clean sheets in their last five home matches – should encourage Marcelo Bielsa as he chases a third straight personal H2H win against his home country. 

As for Argentina, with six matches left and six automatic qualification spots available, they are on the verge of securing their place at the 2026 World Cup. Since lifting the Copa America in July, Lionel Scaloni’s charges have blown hot and cold (W3, D1, L2), with losses to Colombia and Paraguay keeping the race for the top spot in the South American qualifying group open. Furthermore, Argentina’s recent away form raises some concern, as they are winless in their last three World Cup qualifying games on the road (D1, L2) – their longest such streak since the 2018 qualifying cycle, which included a 0-0 draw in Uruguay. Even without Lionel Messi due to injury, their attacking prowess remains intact, with the reigning world champions last failing to score in a World Cup qualifying away fixture back in October 2021 against Paraguay (W5, D2, L2).