Argentina will host Colombia at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires today in an important match for the visitors, who are desperate for the three points to put their qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on track. Here are the predicted lineups for the game.
Colombia will face Argentina at Mas Monumental Stadium today with a clear objective: to end their current slump. The team has not won in five straight games, which dropped Nestor Lorenzo’s squad to sixth place in CONMEBOL’s standings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, Argentina have already secured their place in the tournament, leading the standings by 10 points over the second-placed team.
Argentina have firmly established themselves as the top team in CONMEBOL, becoming the first national team on the continent to secure a spot in the World Cup. Besides, coach Lionel Scaloni no longer relies solely on Lionel Messi. Instead, he has built a competitive system that runs through a strong group of young players. Nicolas Paz, Franco Mastantuono, and Thiago Almada have stepped into bigger roles.
Colombia, however, face a very different reality. They have lost the impressive form that took them to the 2024 Copa Amarica final. Despite keeping healthy key players like Jefferson Lerma, Daniel Muñoz, James Rodriguez, and Luis Diaz, the team lack balance. They struggle to convert chances and miss a reliable goal scorer. This weakness continues to undermine their attack and leaves them unable to capitalize on the creativity of their stars.
Lionel Scaloni expects a strong squad for Argentina’s clash with Colombia. Key players return, including Nicolas Otamendi, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, and Nicolas Gonzalez. They were absent in the last match due to suspensions. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is ready to start, after beginning the game against Chile as a substitute. However, Argentina face one setback: Nicolas Tagliafico will miss out because of a yellow card suspension.
With this in mind, Argentina could line up as follows against Colombia: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Valentin Barco; Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolas Gonzalez; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
Unlike Argentina’s national team, Colombia face a key absence heading into the game. Head coach Nestor Lorenzo will not have Jhon Jader Duran, who is out due to back pain. He joins a growing injury list that already includes Johan Mojica, Juan Fernando Quintero, Jhon Cordoba, and Rafael Santos Borre. Adding to the concerns, Richard Rios remains questionable as he continues to deal with physical discomfort.
Even with several absentees, Colombia get a major boost. Luis Diaz returns after missing the match against Peru due to yellow card accumulation. With the Liverpool star back in the lineup, Nestor Lorenzo could field the following team against Argentina: Kevin Mier; Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina, Cristian Borja; Kevin Castaño, Jefferson Lerma; Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez, Luis Díaz; Luis Suarez.
The Matchday 16 showdown between Argentina and Colombia in the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifiers will be broadcast in the United States on Fubo (7-day free trial).
From: bolavip.com
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