Football fans are in for a thrilling showdown as Argentina takes on Colombia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. This match is scheduled to be held in the famous Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla with both sides eyeing a place in the tournament. Colombia has been hard at practice to face one of the best football playing nations who are currently the Copa America champions that are the Argentina team. Here is your comprehensive list of Argentina vs. Colombia lineups, history, and matches information.
Overview Table
| Details | Argentina vs. Colombia |
| Date | September 11, 2024 |
| Venue | Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla |
| Kick-off Time | 2:00 AM IST |
| Qualifying Stage | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Argentina Current Standing | 1st (18 points) |
| Colombia Current Standing | 3rd (13 points) |
| Head-to-Head Record (Last 12) | Argentina 5 – 1 Colombia |
Argentina vs. Colombia lineups
Uruguay’s Predicted Lineup
Coach Lionel Scaloni has crafted an efficient team, and the 4-4-2 formation is expected to be the backbone for this high-stakes match.
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martinez (GK) |
| Right-back | Nahuel Molina |
| Center-backs | Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez |
| Left-back | Nicolas Tagliafico |
| Midfielders | Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Angel Di Maria, Alexis Mac Allister |
| Forwards | Lionel Messi (C), Lautaro Martinez |
Key Players to Watch
- Lionel Messi: Having presented his fitness levels in the match against Brazil, the Argentine captain remains at the head of his team. Messi has been a consistent performer in the game and with vision and leadership, Argentina will benefit a lot.
- Lautaro Martinez: Lautaro has been very effective in front of the nets during this qualifying round and so he will replace Julian Alvarez and be a player to watch in front of the nets.
- Emiliano Martinez: Martinez – In the Argentine squad, Martinez has been displaying brilliant form during all the qualifiers and has been instrumental in maintaining Argentina’s watertight defense.
At this moment Argentina occupies the first place in the table of qualifications with 18 points received after 7 games. Their defensive and clinical restoration has seen them claim 6 wins and they plan to make it seven against Colombia.
Colombia Lineup Breakdown
Colombia football team has gradually grown under the tutelage of their coach Nestor Lorenzo especially in this year’s World Cup qualifiers. The team is set to play in a 4-3-1-2 formation that counters Argentina’s strength since it has more midfielders than attackers.
Colombia’sPredicted Lineup
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Camilo Vargas (GK) |
| Right-back | Santiago Arias |
| Center-backs | Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta |
| Left-back | Johan Mojica |
| Midfielders | Jefferson Lerma, Ricardo Rios, James Rodriguez (C) |
| Forwards | Luis Diaz, Jhon Cordoba, Jhon Arias |
Key Players to Watch
- James Rodriguez: The playmaker of Colombia will be the captain of the team and will play a central role in midfield. He is one of the players who has some great skills in penetrating the Argentine defence.
- Luis Diaz: Diaz is one of the fastest players and loves to attack; he will be the main spearhead of Colombia. He is likely to pose problems for Argentina’s backline whenever he is partnering with Cordoba.
- Camilo Vargas: The Colombian goalkeeper will be underUTILITY immense pressure because of Argentina’s attack force. He could prove to be decisive for Colombia when it comes to reaching the next phase of the competition.
Colombia currently occupies the third place in the table with 13 points. In this round of the qualifiers, they have been perfect, they have played four matches and have won 3 and drawn 4. A win against Argentina could help them grow as they strive for direct qualification for the World Cup.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the last 12 matches between these two teams, Argentina has been the dominant side. Currently, Argentina has won 5 matches against Colombia and they have 6 drawn matches. Argentina’s firepower and defensive solidity are key factors that have at one point or the other overwhelmed the Colombian team. Nonetheless, the last win of Colombia over Argentina was in the Copa America 2019 with the score of 2-0.
Colombia’s Counter Strategy
The goalkeeper and four defenders will be playing a 4-3-1-2 formation, ensuring a robust defence to deny Argentina the opportunity to penetrate and counter attacking when a chance presents itself. James Rodriguez would be the creator, seeking to provide chances for goals for Luis Diaz and Jhon Cordoba.
Santiago Arias replaced the relegated Daniel Munoz in the right back position, the central defense of Davinson Sanchez and Carlos Cuesta had to be at their best to deny Messi and his teammates a possible dream. However, the best chance Colombia has to get through to the win will be to break quickly, which is Luis Diaz, who has the speed and flair to penetrate any space in the Argentinian defense.
Expectations During the Match
Based on these encounters, this fight seems to be charged up, with an element of strategy attached to it. Argentina are the clear favourites having been in good form and possess a wealth of experience but Colombia equally has the capabilities of beating them especially in their own backyard. Argentina may prove weak in the absences of Angel Di Maria, and possible formations changes due to injuries, while Colombia would have to rely on set pieces and counter attack.
Live Stream and Telecast Info
The FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL qualifier will be the Argentina vs Colombia match and this will begin at 2:00 AM IST on 11th September 2024. However, the match will not be telecast in India, but the audience can tune into the Fancode app and website for the live streaming of the match.
Conclusion
Soon to be one of the most engaging clashes in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers is the match between Argentina and Colombia. Given that each team wants to qualify for the tournament, fans can look forward to a good “battle” between the two sides. Will Messi lead Argentina to yet another victory, or can Colombia pull off a memorable upset? Only time will tell!
FAQs
Ans: September 11, 2024.
Ans: Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla.
Ans: Yes, Messi is expected to start.
Ans: Five times.
Ans: Stream it on the Fancode app and website.
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