World Cup Qualifying - South America

Jun 11, 2025 at 1am UK

Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti

Argentina vs Colombia

Match preview

Although Argentina have secured their spot in next year's finals, Scaloni's team continued their winning streak by beating a lacklustre Chile 1-0 last week.

This marked the Albiceleste's fourth consecutive victory and their 11th in 15 matches, putting the world champions 10 points ahead with three games remaining.

This puts La Selección out of reach at the top of the standings, but they are aiming to secure their 12th victory in CONMEBOL qualifying and extend their winning streak.

In addition to their overall winning streak, Scaloni's team have achieved four consecutive victories in front of their supporters since losing 2-0 to Uruguay in November 2023, resulting in four wins across 2024 and 2025.

Even more impressive are Argentina's free-scoring and defensively solid performances in these victories, highlighted by scoring three or more goals in three of the four matches — beating Chile 3–0, Bolivia 6–0 and Brazil 4–1.

Following their resounding victory over their fierce rivals, Scaloni's team will be looking to extend Colombia's poor run of form in their first home match.

Although Nestor Lorenzo's team began the series unbeaten in eight matches, drawing half of those encounters, their performances and results have dramatically declined since their 2-1 success over Argentina last September.

Since Los Cafeteros defeated Scaloni's team in the reverse fixture, they have won only one qualifier in seven attempts, suffering four defeats during this period, and will enter the forthcoming match without having won any of their last five fixtures.

Three of those defeats were against Uruguay, Ecuador and Brazil — teams they are competing with for a top-six spot.

Colombia are currently in the final qualifying spot with 21 points after 15 matches; however, Venezuela are close behind in seventh place, just three points adrift, after winning two matches in a row. This means that Lorenzo's team are looking nervously over their shoulders as they approach the final three matches.

Although losing to Argentina may not be disastrous in the short term, a three-point gap could see La Tricolor heading into the final two games either level on points with Venezuela, who are travelling to Uruguay, or with the gap further narrowed ahead of the tense conclusion.

Recent Performance

Argentina World Cup Qualifying - South America form:LWWWW

Colombia World Cup Qualifying - South America form:LLLDD

Team News

Following his goal in the victory against Chile, Julián Álvarez has now scored four times for the Albiceleste in the series. The forward is aiming to maintain his decisive role for the world champions.

Having come on as a substitute for Nico Paz, Lionel Messi could return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, as the attacker strives to add to his six qualifying goals.

Jhon Duran's involvement is uncertain following his withdrawal at half-time, but Colombia welcome back Luis Diaz from suspension. The series' joint top goalscorer could surpass Messi if he adds to his six goals.

James Rodríguez leads in clear-cut chances created and assists with nine and five respectively, and the attacking midfielder could be influential on Tuesday.

Possible starting lineup

Argentina possible starting lineup:

Martinez; Molina, Romero, Balerdi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Palacios; Simeone, Messi, Almada; Alvarez

Colombia possible starting lineup:

Mier; Munoz, Mina, Sanchez, Borja; Lerma, Castano; Arias, Rodriguez, Hernandez; Suarez