Argentina vs Colombia: WCQ Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

When Argentina hosts Colombia on Tuesday night for matchday 16 of their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, the reigning champions will be seeking their fifth consecutive home win at Estadio Monumental.

The inclusion of Lionel Scaloni's team in the global extravaganza is already set, but the fate of the visitors, who are presently in sixth position but aren't playing to their potential due to the pressure from seventh-place Venezuela, remains uncertain.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Argentina's squad, led by Nestor Lorenzo, has maintained their winning streak with a 1-0 victory against Chile, putting them ten points ahead of the defending champions. With three games remaining, La Seleccion is aiming to win CONMEBOL qualification for a record 12th time and continue their winning run in the series. Argentina has won four consecutive games in front of home fans since losing to Uruguay 2-0 in November 2023, including four wins in 2024 and 2025.

On the road for the first time since crushing their rivals, Scaloni's squad will aim to extend Colombia's miserable streak in their home opener. The team, led by Nestor Lorenzo, was undefeated in their first eight matches in the series, but their performance and results have taken a nosedive after beating Argentina 2-1 last September. Los Cafeteros have struggled to a 1-1 record in qualifying, losing four of their past five matches.

As they head into the final three matches, Colombia's 21 points put them in first place and guarantee them a spot in next year's finals. However, Venezuela has won their last two matches, keeping them in seventh place and just three points behind Colombia. Losing to Argentina would not have an immediate catastrophic impact. Still, with three points to play for, La Seleccion might end up tied for first place with Venezuela or even closer to the finish line than they were before.

Argentina x Colombia Team News

Julian Alvarez hopes to continue being the deciding factor for the world champions after scoring in the triumph over Chile, bringing his series total to four goals for the Albiceleste.

On Tuesday, Lionel Messi, who came off the bench to replace Nico Paz, may start again as he tries to add to his six goals from qualification.

Colombia welcomes back Luis Diaz from suspension, and the series' joint-top goalscorer might overtake Messi if he scores another goal to go along with his six already. John Duran's participation is unclear after the forward's halftime exit.

Tuesday might see a big performance from offensive midfielder James Rodriguez, who has nine goals and five assists, putting him in first place.

Our Predictions

Argentina to win @ 1.74 on Sky247.ng

Argentina will play in front of their home fans for the first time since March when they thrashed rivals Brazil. The world champions are looking to win their fifth game in a row by causing Colombia to lose on the road for the fourth consecutive time.

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