Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Estadio Defensores del Chaco will host Friday’s World Cup qualifier between Paraguay and Argentina. La Albiceleste aim to melt Brazil’s advantage in the standings, and the bookies see Leo Messi and Co. as favourites to win the match. Both Esteban Andrada and Lucas Alario return to the squad, while Geronimo Rulli and Emiliano Buendia failed to make the cut. The good news for the visitors is that Paulo Dybala has overcome his injury.
Paraguay, on the other hand, will rely on Newcastle United ace Miguel Almiron, who missed the September qualifying matches due to travel restrictions. Anyhow, Argentina have been in a much better form than Paraguay in 2021, and seeing that Lionel Scaloni can count on key players for Friday’s qualifier, away win should be considered. When the two national teams met at the 2021 Copa America Argentina defeated Paraguay thanks to Papu Gomez’s goal.
Highlighted Player (Alejandro Romero Gamarra):
Born in Ciudadela, Argentina on January 11, 1995, Alejandro Romero Gamarra is an attacking midfielder who plays for New York Red Bulls. The Argentine footballer, commonly known as Kaku, began his youth career at Huracan and he continued playing for el Globo at senior level.
After scoring nine goals in 94 appearances for the club, Kaku joined New York Red Bulls in the winter of 2018. Alejandro Romero Gamarra made his MLS debut for the Metros in a 2-0 win over Olimpia in the CONCACAF Champions League. Gamarra scored his first goal for New York Red Bulls in a 3-1 triumph over Club Tijuana in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Kaku has yet to earn a call-up for Argentina national team, but he made 5 appearances for the U20 team. His main position is attacking midfielder, but he can be used as a winger as well. In the 2013/2014 season he won Copa Argentina with Huracan.
Highlighted Team (Argentina):
Members of the CONMEBOL confederation Argentina national team are headed by coach Gerardo Martino and are considered one of the most nations in footballing world. Renowned for their attacking powers and defensive discipline Argentina have been playing their international matches since 1901 and their first ever competitive victory over Uruguay 3-2.
Commonly referred to as La Seleccion, Argentina are top of the FIFA World ranking, but their most recent records have been below par with the team last winning a major trophy in 1993. Two-time World Cup winners have lost the 2014 final to Germany coming agonizingly close to the crown they last won in 1986. Javier Zanetti is the most capped player with 143 matches to his name while Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi with 124 and 108 respectively are the current team members with most games to their name.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi is six goals short behind Gabriel Batistuta who is the team’s top scorer with 56 goals he scored playing for La Seleccion from 1991 to 2002.