Argentina vs. Peru: A Crucial Clash in World Cup Qualifying

Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, are facing a crucial match against Peru in the CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 Qualifying. This match holds immense significance for both teams, as Argentina aims to solidify their position at the top of the table while Peru battles to escape the bottom. The Albiceleste are reeling from an unexpected defeat to Paraguay, a 2-1 loss in Asuncion that shook the team's confidence and threatened their comfortable lead.

Argentina's Struggle and Injury Concerns

The defeat to Paraguay exposed some vulnerabilities in Argentina's game. The two goals conceded, sensational strikes by Antonio Sanabria and Omar Alderete, highlighted defensive frailties that Scaloni needs to address. While Argentina still holds the top spot in the standings, they find themselves just three points ahead of Uruguay, who are breathing down their necks. A slip-up against Peru could prove disastrous, potentially allowing Uruguay to close the gap or even overtake them.

Adding to the challenges, Argentina is battling a significant injury crisis in defense. Lisandro Martínez, German Pezzella, and now Cristian Romero are all ruled out due to injuries, leaving the team desperately thin at center-back. This has forced Lionel Scaloni to dig deep into his squad and call upon Leonardo Balerdi for a rare start. The absence of key players like Marcos Acuna, Nico Gonzalez, and Paulo Dybala further complicates matters.

Argentina's Predicted Starting XI

Despite the injuries, Argentina's starting lineup remains relatively settled under Lionel Scaloni, with the experienced duo of Romero and Otamendi set to start at center-back. Upfront, the dynamic trio of Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and the legendary Lionel Messi is expected to lead the charge. However, the midfield balance may be a point of concern. The starting midfield of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, and Enzo Fernandez might need adjustments as they haven't quite found the perfect rhythm. Leandro Paredes could be an option to provide more defensive stability in midfield.

Peru's Fight for Survival

Meanwhile, Peru finds themselves in a precarious situation at the opposite end of the table. With just seven points from 11 matches, they sit ninth in the ten-team standings, fighting to avoid the dreaded bottom spot. A goalless draw against Chile in their previous match provided little relief and underscored their offensive struggles. Peru has managed only one goal in their last four qualifying matches and a total of three goals in the qualifying campaign thus far.

Peru's Squad and Strategy

Peru will be without veteran midfielder Renato Tapia due to injury, but their goalkeeper Pedro Gallese will return after suspension. Head coach Jorge Fossati has made two changes to the team, bringing in Jesus Castillo and Carlos Zambrano to replace Wilter Cartagena and Aldo Corzo. The starting lineup will likely feature Paolo Guerrero, their experienced 40-year-old striker, who despite his age, remains their main hope for goals and a late-stage surge in the qualifying campaign.

Match Details and How to Watch

The Argentina vs. Peru match will be a high-stakes encounter full of drama and excitement. For those in the United States, you can stream the match on Telemundo, fuboTV, and Vix. Vix and fuboTV are subscription-based streaming services, while Telemundo can be accessed via subscriptions to Hulu, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV. For viewers outside the United States, TyC Sports will be broadcasting the game.

The Verdict: A Predicted Victory for Argentina?

While Peru will undoubtedly fight hard, all signs point to an Argentina victory. The home advantage, the sheer talent in their squad (even with injuries), and their desperation to rebound from the Paraguay defeat suggest La Albiceleste will secure the three points. However, Peru will not make it easy, especially with an experienced captain and striker like Guerrero leading the charge. Despite Peru's struggles, this game will be challenging for the Argentinians, and the result is not guaranteed. Argentina will look to control the match and exploit the gaps in Peru's defense, capitalizing on their experience and the brilliance of Lionel Messi to secure a victory.

This match will be a crucial test for both teams, showcasing the different aspirations and challenges faced by the South American giants and underdogs in their World Cup qualifying campaigns. The intensity, skill, and pressure are likely to lead to an unforgettable spectacle for football fans worldwide. A 3-0 win for Argentina is a likely outcome, though a less definitive win remains a possibility.