Argentina’s national team is very close to securing their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, and they could seal their ticket during this FIFA window. La Albiceleste leads the South American Qualifiers with 25 points and will face two of their toughest rivals: Uruguay in Montevideo and Brazil in Buenos Aires. With just two points from these matches, Lionel Scaloni’s team would be virtually qualified, though a win would guarantee their passage without depending on other results.

An Expanded Format and the Fight for the Spot

The new tournament format, with 48 teams, grants Conmebol six direct spots and a playoff spot for the seventh-place team. Historically, reaching 27 points has been enough to secure qualification, so Argentina needs just two more points to hit that mark. However, two losses could delay their qualification and push the decision to the final matchdays.

Key Absences and Tough Rivals

The situation isn’t ideal in terms of player availability. La Scaloneta will be without several key players, including Lionel Messi, who is sidelined with a muscle injury. Paulo Dybala, Giovanni Lo Celso, Gonzalo Montiel, Alejandro Garnacho, and Claudio Echeverri will also miss these matches, forcing Scaloni to make adjustments to the starting lineup.

The first challenge will be on Friday against Uruguay, second in the standings with 20 points. In the last edition of the Río de la Plata derby, La Celeste won 2-0 in Buenos Aires, so Argentina will be looking for revenge in Montevideo. Then, on Tuesday, they will face Brazil at the Monumental Stadium, a crucial match not only for qualification but also due to the historic rivalry between the two teams.

Despite the squad being hit by several absences, Argentina is determined to secure their place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada as soon as possible. Two positive results in this doubleheader will allow them to focus on World Cup preparation without pressure, knowing they’ve secured their spot in the next big international football event.