
The much-anticipated Argentina vs. Paraguay clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers will take place on November 15, 2024, with both teams fighting to secure crucial points in the race for qualification. As Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, take on Paraguay in Asunción, football fans are in for an exciting, high-stakes encounter.
Here’s a detailed preview of the match, including team news, key players, and where to watch the game live:
Match Overview:
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL)
- Date: November 15, 2024
- Kickoff Time: 20:00 local time (Asunción) / 18:00 Argentina Time
- Venue: Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay
Argentina National Football Team – Team News:
Argentina comes into the match as the reigning World Cup champions, led by their captain, Lionel Messi. Argentina will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the qualifiers and maintain their spot near the top of the South American standings. After securing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they aim to keep their momentum going, especially with the pressure of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Key Players:
- Lionel Messi: The talismanic captain, Messi remains the most crucial player for Argentina. With his exceptional vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability, Messi is always a threat to opposition defenses.
- Julián Álvarez: The Manchester City forward has been in excellent form and will likely play a key role in Argentina’s attack.
- Rodrigo De Paul: A key presence in midfield, De Paul’s work rate and creativity will be important in controlling the tempo of the game.
Injury Updates:
- Paulo Dybala is out with an injury. The AS Roma forward’s absence is a blow for Argentina’s attacking options.
- Emiliano Buendía is also sidelined, leaving a gap in the attacking midfield.
- Lautaro Martínez, the Inter Milan striker, is expected to play after recovering from a minor knock.
Expected Starting 11:
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Right-back: Nahuel Molina
- Center-back: Cristian Romero
- Center-back: Nicolás Otamendi
- Left-back: Marcos Acuña
- Midfield: Rodrigo De Paul
- Midfield: Enzo Fernández
- Midfield: Leandro Paredes
- Right wing: Ángel Di María
- Striker: Julián Álvarez
- Left wing: Lionel Messi (Captain)
Paraguay National Football Team – Team News:
Paraguay will be aiming to make a statement at home and secure an upset over the World Cup champions. They have had a solid start to the qualifiers, but the task of facing Argentina is always daunting. Paraguay will rely on its key players, including Miguel Almirón and Nicolás González, to provide pace and creativity in attack.
Key Players:
- Miguel Almirón: The Newcastle United star will be one of Paraguay’s most dangerous players in the attacking third. His pace and dribbling ability will be vital as Paraguay looks to counterattack.
- Nicolás González: The Fiorentina forward has been in good form, providing speed and skill to the attacking line.
- Roberto Fernández: The experienced goalkeeper will be tasked with keeping Argentina’s star-studded lineup at bay.
Injury Updates:
- Carlos González, the Tigres UANL forward, is recovering from a muscle injury. His participation in the match will depend on his fitness closer to kickoff.
- Blas Riveros, the Lyon left-back, has also been dealing with a minor knee injury but is expected to be available for the match.
- Andrés Cubas has been nursing an ankle issue but will likely feature in the starting XI if fit.
Expected Starting 11:
- Goalkeeper: Roberto Fernández
- Right-back: Alan Rodríguez
- Center-back: Fabián Balbuena
- Center-back: Junior Alonso
- Left-back: Blas Riveros
- Midfield: Andrés Cubas
- Midfield: Gastón Giménez
- Midfield: Miguel Almirón
- Right wing: Nicolás González
- Striker: Adam Bareiro
- Left wing: Derlis González
Tactics and Key Matchups:
- Argentina’s Strengths: Argentina will dominate possession, with Messi pulling the strings in midfield. Expect the attacking trio of Álvarez, Messi, and Di María to exploit Paraguay’s defense, creating a constant threat in the final third.
- Paraguay’s Counterattack: Paraguay will likely play a more compact, defensive game, looking to hit Argentina on the counter. With players like Almirón and González, Paraguay will rely on speed and quick transitions to unsettle Argentina’s high defensive line.
Where to Watch the Argentina vs. Paraguay Match:
- In the United States: You can watch the match live on Telemundo (Spanish) or stream it on Peacock TV and FuboTV.
- In Argentina: The match will be broadcast by TyC Sports, and you can stream it via TyC Sports Play.
- In Paraguay: Tigo Sports is the official broadcaster, and you can stream it through their Tigo Sports App or website.
- In the United Kingdom: Coverage will likely be available on FreeSports or Sky Sports.
- In Latin America: ESPN and Star+ will broadcast the game across the region.
- In Australia: Optus Sport is the go-to platform for live streaming.