World Cup 2026: Argentina Rest Their Stars Against Uruguay

Uruguay vs Argentina

Argentina are cruising to World Cup 2026 because they are doing well in the qualifiers. La Albiceleste are at the top of the CONMEBOL table with 25 points, at least five points more than the rest of the chasing pack.

Because of their advantageous position, Lionel Scaloni doesn’t need to deploy his full-strength squad this international break. Argentina will reopen their campaign with a tricky clash against Uruguay at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo this Friday evening.

Uruguay are right behind Argentina with 20 points. However, La Celeste cannot afford to take their foot off the gas because Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil can overtake them in the table if World Cup 2026 results don’t go their way this weekend. Unlike Scaloni, Marcelo Bielsa made the unusual decision to deploy a 38-man squad this international break.

​This is a huge match for both sides, and SBOTOP is here for a preview of this contest.

 

Talking Points

Uruguay get lineup boost

Uruguay are determined to beat Argentina this Friday, and the good news for Marcelo Bielsa’s side is that they’ll have one of their top defenders back in the mix. Ronald Araujo has been dogged by lower leg injuries this season, but he’s fully fit and ready to serve his country at the backline. The Barcelona centre-back will likely join Jose Maria Gimenez, Nahitan Nandez, and Marcelo Saracchi to cover goalie Sergio Rochet, with Santiago Bueno and Mathias Olivera in consideration.

Fede Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Giorgian de Arrascaeta will hold it down in the middle of the park since Manuel Ugarte is not available against La Albiceleste. The Manchester United midfielder is suspended for Friday’s game due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Darwin Nunez will lead up front for La Celeste alongside Maximiliano Araujo and Facundo Pellistri. The Liverpool forward aims to regain his form this international break by scoring his first goal for the national team since the second group game of last year’s Copa America.

 

No Messi, Martinez for Argentina

Argentina will be short up front because Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez are absent this international break. Messi said he is dealing with a minor injury and doesn’t want to aggravate it this weekend. Martinez sustained a hamstring knock during Inter Milan’s Champions League Round of 16 tie against Feyenoord. Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel, and Giovanni Lo Celso also won’t play for La Albiceleste.

Messi is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and tenured member with 112 goals and 191 caps. Despite his advancing age, the Inter Miami forward remains a dominant force in Major League Soccer alongside his former Barca mates, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez. 

With Messi and Martinez ruled out, head coach Lionel Scaloni will rely on Angel Correa and Julian Alvarez to score. 

Emiliano Martinez will continue to man the post for La Albiceleste. Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina, and Nicolas Tagliafico form their back four. Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, and Rodrigo De Paul will likely take over in midfield.

 

History

Uruguay and Argentina have formed an intense rivalry throughout the years, and Friday marks their 194th meeting across all competitions. Argentina have a significant advantage in the overall head-to-heads with 90 wins, while Uruguay have 58 wins and 45 draws.

Argentina have not won a World Cup qualifying away match since beating Brazil 1-0 in November 2023, but they have won three of their last four matches against Uruguay, including a 1-0 victory in their most recent away meeting in November 2021 at Montevideo. 

However, Uruguay claimed a 2-0 win in their last encounter against Argentina in November 2023 at La Bombonera, as Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez found the back of the net.

 

Betting Tip

The World Cup 2026 odds expect a gritty affair between Uruguay and Argentina. Because they’re at home, La Celeste have a slight edge at 2.45, whereas La Albiceleste are valued to win at 2.90 in the 1X2 market. If Messi and Martinez are at full strength, Argentina should win this one. However, they’ll likely settle for a draw, and Lionel Scaloni won’t have a problem with it.

Both sides should find the back of the net this weekend. Besides our recommended bet, bettors can also go for alternatives like Over 1.75 at 1.78, Over 2.00 at 2.05, Over 2.25 at 2.42, and Total Goals 2-3 at 1.94. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 2-0 in favour of La Celeste – the result of their most recent qualifiers encounter – has a solid offer of 11.00 your bet.

   

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