Preview for Argentina v Colombia
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed Colombia’s poor run of form and insisted they were “one of the best teams in the world” ahead of their World Cup qualifying clash tonight.
Colombia have not won in their last five games with Thursday’s goalless draw against Peru seeing them slip to the precarious position of sixth – the last spot that would guarantee automatic qualification for next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In contrast, Argentina have won their last four and secured top spot in the Conmebol qualifying section thanks to Julian Alvarez’s goal in the 1-0 win in Chile last week.
We’ve got it in our sights 👁️⚔️ pic.twitter.com/Xsg1lMfR3i
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) June 10, 2025
Everything points to a home win but Scaloni was quick to sound a note of caution.
He said: “It’s a little strange to see them in this pothole. For me, Colombia has deserved to win in games that it has had no luck. It’s a misleading classification. Statistics don’t always tell the truth.
“They are a good team, I would say up with the best teams in the world.”
Colombia’s form has led to criticism of coach Nestor Lorenzo, who has also had to face reports of a bust-up with star striker Jhon Duran following his half-time withdrawal against Peru.
Duran has pulled out of the squad for the Argentina game citing a back injury – fuelling the speculation further – but Lorenzo says it is simply people seizing on the poor results to create added issues.
He said: “The criticisms hurt, especially because of the things they invented. There is a clear campaign of discrediting, beyond the fact that the results were not good.
“We’re in a hole but the group is united. We need three or four more points to qualify.
“I know we’re going to qualify, hopefully it will be tomorrow.”
Team News for Argentina v Colombia
The bad news for Colombia is that Argentina will be back to full strength, bar the absence of left-back Nicolás Tagliafico due to suspension.
Lionel Messi will return to the starting XI after coming on as a second-half substitute against Chile while defender Nicolás Otamendi and midfielders Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernández return from suspension.
Lautaro Martinez was rested against Chile due to his commitments with Inter Milan in the Champions League final but is set to start in attack.
Either Facundo Medina or Valentin Barco will replace Tagliafico.
Colombia will be boosted by the return of Liverpool forward Luis Díaz.
Back home, 🩵 pic.twitter.com/CGqrtYEWOd
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) June 9, 2025
Predicted line-ups for Argentina v Colombia
Argentina: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Barco; De Paul, Paredes, Fernández; Messi, Álvarez, L Martínez
Colombia: Mier; Muñoz, Mina, Sánchez, Borja; Castaño, Lerma, Arias, James, Díaz; Suárez.
How to watch Argentina v Colombia: TV and online stream
Argentina versus Colombia kicks-off at 1am UK time on Wednesday morning. It can be watched on Premier Sports 1 and streamed on the Premier Sports app.
