
As Paraguay prepares to face Argentina in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier on November 15, 2024, all eyes will be on this intense South American showdown. Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, will look to extend their dominant form in the qualifiers, while Paraguay will aim to deliver a shock result and boost their qualification hopes. Here’s a breakdown of the match prediction, betting tips, and odds.
Match Overview:
- Date: 15 November 2024
- Time: 20:30 (local time in Paraguay) | 00:30 (GMT, 16 November)
- Venue: Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers (CONMEBOL)
Team Form & Recent Performances:
- Paraguay:
- Recent Form: Paraguay enters this match with a mixed bag of results in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They have shown resilience, but their inconsistency could prove costly against a team like Argentina.
- Key Players: Miguel Almirón (Newcastle United) is undoubtedly Paraguay’s star, capable of creating chances and scoring goals. Antonio Sanabria and Richard Sánchez will also be key in this game.
- Home Advantage: Playing at Estadio Defensores del Chaco gives Paraguay a boost, as they have historically been strong at home.
- Argentina:
- Recent Form: As reigning World Cup champions, Argentina remains one of the strongest teams in the world. Lionel Messi, despite being 37 years old, continues to be in top form, and with the likes of Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Lautaro Martínez contributing, Argentina’s attack remains formidable.
- Key Players: Lionel Messi remains the heart of the team, while Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez provide depth in attack. In midfield, Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul are vital to controlling the game.
- Away Record: Argentina has had a solid away record in recent World Cup qualifiers, although they will need to be cautious in Paraguay, where the home side is always tough.
Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Meetings):
- Argentina 1-0 Paraguay – 2022 World Cup Qualifiers
- Paraguay 1-1 Argentina – 2021 Copa América
- Argentina 2-1 Paraguay – 2019 Copa América
- Paraguay 0-1 Argentina – 2018 World Cup Qualifiers
- Argentina 2-0 Paraguay – 2017 World Cup Qualifiers
In recent encounters, Argentina has had the upper hand, winning 4 of the last 5 meetings. However, Paraguay did manage to secure a draw in their last Copa América encounter in 2021.
Prediction:
- Final Score Prediction: Paraguay 1-3 Argentina
Despite Paraguay’s home advantage, Argentina‘s superior quality and firepower make them the favorites for this match. Lionel Messi, along with the in-form Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, should have enough to break down the Paraguayan defense. However, Paraguay is expected to make it difficult for Argentina, especially with their strong counter-attacks and the leadership of Miguel Almirón.
Given Argentina’s attacking strength and Paraguay’s defensive vulnerabilities, it is likely that Argentina will edge out a victory, but Paraguay will certainly pose a threat, particularly in the second half.
Betting Tips:
- Full-time result:
- Argentina to win: 1.55 (Odds vary by bookmaker)
- Paraguay to win: 6.00
- Draw: 4.00
Argentina is the clear favorite for this match, but given Paraguay’s home advantage and potential for a surprise, a draw might be worth considering for higher odds.
- Over/Under Goals:
- Over 2.5 goals: 2.00 – With the attacking power of Argentina, this match is expected to see at least 3 goals.
- Under 2.5 goals: 2.50 – Paraguay’s defensive resilience might keep the scoreline lower than expected, but this seems less likely.
- Both Teams to Score:
- Yes: 2.00 – Paraguay has enough quality in attack to score at home, especially with players like Almirón and Sanabria.
- No: 1.80 – Argentina’s defense is solid, and they might limit Paraguay to fewer chances.
- Anytime Goal Scorer:
- Lionel Messi: 2.50 – Messi is always a threat, and he will likely score or assist in this game.
- Julián Álvarez: 3.00 – Álvarez has been in great form for both Manchester City and Argentina, making him a solid pick.
- Miguel Almirón: 4.00 – Almirón will be Paraguay’s main source of goals and is a good value for any-time scorer odds.
Other Betting Markets:
- Correct Score:
- 3-1 Argentina: 9.00
- 1-1 Draw: 7.00
- 2-0 Argentina: 6.50
- Half-Time/Full-Time:
- Argentina/Argentina: 2.00 – Given their attacking quality, it’s likely they will lead at both half-time and full-time.
- Draw/Argentina: 6.00 – If Paraguay holds Argentina to a draw at halftime, expect a second-half push from the visitors.
Conclusion:
Argentina is the strong favorite to win, but Paraguay has the home advantage and will be looking to put up a resilient fight. With Lionel Messi leading the charge and Argentina’s attacking depth, it’s likely they’ll come away with all three points. Paraguay, however, should not be underestimated, and they will aim to capitalize on any mistakes made by the visitors.
The 1-3 Argentina win seems the most likely outcome, but keep an eye on Paraguay’s counter-attacking threat as they’ll look to make things difficult for Scaloni’s men.