Argentina vs Peru: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Preview
Argentina is set to welcome Peru in their last match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Argentina enters the match being carefree as a World Cup spot is already bagged and there’s no one stopping them now. On the other hand, the hopes for Peru seem to be over yet again as they sit in the ninth spot on the table. The fixture isn’t going to be a decisive one but could be interesting.
Match Details
Match: Argentina vs Peru
Stadium: Estadio Alberto Jose Armando
Time: Nov 20, 2024 at 12 am UK
Argentina vs Peru: Preview
Argentina opened up the scoring early when Lautaro Martinez found the back of the net, but soon Paraguay bounced back with two impressive goals which led to Argentina’s third defeat in the group stage. Despite the loss, Argentina is in a strong position. They currently top the group table with 22 points, three ahead of Uruguay in second and five clear of fourth-place Brazil.
Argentina has historically held the upper hand in this matchup, claiming victory in 37 of their 58 encounters with Peru while suffering only seven defeats. They have also won their last four meetings with La Blanquirroja. Looking to rebound swiftly, Argentina will focus on ending 2024 on a high note against Peru before shifting their attention to key clashes with Uruguay and Brazil in March.
Peru, meanwhile, enters the match off the back of a goalless draw with Chile, a result that keeps them in ninth place with seven points from one win, four draws, and six defeats. Scoring has been a significant challenge for the team, managing just three goals across 11 matches. Under Jorge Fossati, Peru recorded a memorable 1-0 win over Uruguay last month but followed it with a heavy 4-0 loss to Brazil. They now face the daunting task of taking on an Argentina side eager to rebound from their recent disappointment.
Argentina vs Peru: Team News
Argentina faces a defensive reshuffle for Tuesday’s match as Cristian Romero is ruled out with a foot injury sustained against Paraguay. Adding to their woes, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez has also withdrawn due to ongoing hip and back issues. This leaves Argentina short-handed at the back, with Leonardo Balerdi set to partner veteran Nicolás Otamendi in central defense, marking his fifth international cap. Up front, no major changes are expected, with Alejandro Garnacho likely remaining on the bench.
Lionel Messi will make his 191st appearance for the club, continuing his storied international career. Julián Álvarez, who has already scored 11 times for his country, is poised to feature on the wing as he looks to add to his tally.
On the other side, Peru comes into the match with a clean bill of health following their game against Chile. The starting lineup is expected to remain largely the same, though veteran Striker Paolo Guerrero, who made his 123rd appearance at age 40, may face a late fitness test. Gianluca Lapadula is on standby should Guerrero need to be rested. Luis Advíncula is expected to keep his spot as a wing-back, while Sergio Peña is likely to start in midfield after his tactical substitution against Chile.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina: E. Martínez; Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernández; Messi, Mac Allister, Álvarez; L. Martínez
Peru: Cáceda; Corzo, Araujo, Callens; Polo, Sonne, Cartagena, Peña, Advíncula; Guerrero, Valera
Conclusion
With the quality of players Argentina has, it is expected to be going their way completely yet again. Some players, like Lionel Messi, Rodrigo de Paul and many more elites, can prove themselves as decisive athletes if they win the match and comfortably secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup. Peru will need to work even harder to try and upset the Blues.
