Argentina vs Peru

Keen to return to winning ways after a rare slip-up in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Argentina host out-of-sorts Peru at the Estadio Monumental.

Argentina’s effort to secure a top-table finish in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group took another hit last weekend as they threw away an early lead in a 2-1 defeat at Paraguay. With Lionel Messi seemingly out of form, Argentina’s recent results have descended into chaos, highlighted by just a single win from their last four World Cup qualifiers (D1, L2). Despite their form wobble, Lionel Scaloni’s men sit atop the table, three points clear of Colombia and Uruguay at the start of this round. Scaloni hopes his side can build on an impressive record of just one loss in 18 home World Cup qualifiers (W12, D5). Maintaining this form, especially with ten clean sheets in their last 11 home matches, would ease some pressure.

On the other hand, visiting Peru take this trip desperate to end a disastrous 17-game winless away run against Argentina (D3, L14) and throw their stuttering bid to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2014 a lifeline. Manager Jorge Fossati is walking a tightrope, with the Peruvians losing further ground on the coveted inter-confederation playoff spot after a tepid 0-0 home draw against Chile last time out. That result worsened Peru’s devastating winless run in the ongoing qualifying cycle, making it just one win from 11 qualifiers (D4, L6). As if that’s not frustrating enough, the visitors have netted a competition-low three goals while they’ve yet to score in five away games (D1, L4).