Argentina secured a narrow 1-0 win over Peru in their last qualifying match while Uruguay held Brazil to a 1-1 draw on the road.
Argentina travel to Montevideo to face Uruguay in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 South American qualifier on Friday night. The 13th round of the qualification campaign sees the two South American powerhouses battle it out at the historic Estadio Centenario.
This fixture carries significant weight in the CONMEBOL standings, with Argentina currently leading the table with 25 points from 12 games. Uruguay sit in second place, five points behind. The hosts, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, will be eager to close the gap on the reigning world champions, especially after their memorable 2-0 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires earlier in the campaign. Meanwhile, Lionel Scaloni’s side will be determined to maintain their grip on the top spot.
Argentina secured a narrow 1-0 win over ninth-placed Peru in their last qualifying match while Uruguay delivered an impressive performance as they held Brazil to a 1-1 draw on the road. The top six nations in the standings after the full rounds of matches are guaranteed a place at FIFA World Cup 2026.
No, Lionel Messi will not play tonight. The Inter Miami forward was not included in Argentina’s squad for these qualifiers after medical scans revealed a minor adductor injury. Messi sustained the injury during Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Atlanta United. Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is expected to captain Argentina against Uruguay in Messi’s absence.
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Alongside Messi, Lionel Scaloni will also be without several other key players for the clash against Uruguay. Paulo Dybala (Roma), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), and Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate) have all been ruled out due to injury concerns.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has also withdrawn from the squad after suffering a hamstring injury, dealing another blow to Argentina’s attacking options. Atletico Madrid’s Angel Correa and Julián Alvarez are expected to start for Argentina in attack along with Nicolás González.
Argentina probable starting lineup:
Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Correa, Gonzalez, Alvarez
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