
As Argentina and Paraguay prepare to face off in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match, both teams will be aiming to secure crucial points in the South American qualification campaign. Below are the betting odds and some key factors to consider when analyzing this match:
Match Information:
- Date: November 15, 2024 (Exact match date may vary)
- Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers (CONMEBOL)
Betting Odds (as of the latest available data):
1. Match Winner:
- Argentina: 1.35 (Favorite)
- Draw: 4.50
- Paraguay: 9.50 (Underdog)
Argentina enters this match as the clear favorite, with Lionel Messi and a squad full of talent expected to dominate possession and control the game. Paraguay, while capable of pulling off surprises, comes in as the heavy underdog.
2. Total Goals (Over/Under):
- Over 2.5 Goals: 2.10
- Under 2.5 Goals: 1.70
Given both teams’ attacking and defensive capabilities, this match is expected to produce a moderate number of goals. Argentina has a potent attack, while Paraguay‘s defense has been solid but vulnerable at times.
3. First Goalscorer:
- Lionel Messi: 4.00
- Lautaro Martínez: 5.50
- Miguel Almirón (Paraguay): 9.50
- Antonio Sanabria (Paraguay): 11.00
Messi is the clear favorite to score first, followed closely by his teammate Lautaro Martínez. Paraguay’s attacking options, such as Almirón and Sanabria, offer strong value for those looking for potential surprises.
4. Correct Score Prediction:
- Argentina 2-0 Paraguay: 5.50
- Argentina 1-0 Paraguay: 7.00
- Paraguay 1-0 Argentina: 26.00
Given the form of both teams, a 2-0 Argentina victory or a 1-0 win is seen as the most likely outcome, while a Paraguayan upset is considered a long shot.
Key Factors to Consider:
1. Argentina’s Strengths:
- Lionel Messi is the driving force behind Argentina’s attack. His vision, creativity, and finishing ability make Argentina one of the most dangerous teams in world football.
- Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez provide excellent support in attack, offering pace and clinical finishing.
- Argentina boasts an experienced and talented defense led by Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero, along with Emiliano Martínez in goal, making them tough to break down.
2. Paraguay’s Threats:
- Paraguay has strong attacking options in Miguel Almirón and Antonio Sanabria, both capable of breaking down defenses with their pace and technique.
- Paraguay’s defense, led by Gustavo Gómez and Fabián Balbuena, is typically well-organized, though they have shown vulnerabilities against stronger sides.
- Paraguay will likely adopt a more defensive approach, focusing on counter-attacking opportunities and set-pieces to try to snatch a result.
3. Recent Form:
- Argentina enters this match in strong form, with an unbeaten record in the qualifiers and having recently triumphed in Copa América and other international tournaments.
- Paraguay, on the other hand, has been more inconsistent in their qualifiers but can be unpredictable, often performing well against higher-ranked teams.
Betting Tips:
- Argentina to Win: Given their superior squad and home advantage, Argentina is expected to win. A 1-0 or 2-0 victory seems the most likely outcome, based on their recent form and Messi’s leadership.
- Under 2.5 Goals: While Argentina has a potent attack, Paraguay is likely to play defensively, and the match may not see a flurry of goals. Betting on Under 2.5 goals offers good value for a low-scoring affair.
- Messi to Score: Lionel Messi is the team’s star player, and he is always a threat to score. Consider betting on him as the first goalscorer or simply as a player to score during the match.