Argentina, the reigning world champions, aim to secure a fifth straight home win in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign as they host Colombia on Tuesday night at Estadio Mas Monumental for matchday 16.
While Lionel Scaloni’s squad has already clinched qualification for the global tournament, Colombia, languishing in sixth place, face uncertainty with Venezuela hot on their heels in seventh.
Despite having secured their spot in next year’s finals, Argentina maintained their strong form with a 1-0 victory over a lackluster Chile last week. This result extended their winning streak to four matches and marked their 11th victory in 15 qualifying games, giving them an unassailable 10-point lead at the top with three matches left.
This commanding position ensures Argentina cannot be caught at the summit, but they are eager to claim a 12th win in CONMEBOL qualifying to prolong their impressive run. At home, Scaloni’s side has been unbeatable since a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in November 2023, racking up four consecutive home wins in 2024 and 2025.
Argentina’s home performances have been particularly dominant, with three of their last four victories yielding three or more goals, including convincing wins over Chile (3-0), Bolivia (6-0), and Brazil (4-1). Fresh off their rout of Brazil, Scaloni’s team now looks to capitalize on Colombia’s recent struggles.
Under Nestor Lorenzo, Colombia started the campaign unbeaten in eight matches, though half ended in draws. However, their form has plummeted since a 2-1 win over Argentina last September. Since that victory, Los Cafeteros have managed just one win in seven qualifiers, suffering four losses and entering this match winless in their last five games.
Those losses include defeats to Uruguay, Ecuador, and Brazil—teams vying for the same top-six spots. Sitting on 21 points after 15 matches, Colombia hold the final automatic qualifying position, but Venezuela, with two consecutive wins, are just three points behind in seventh, keeping the pressure on Lorenzo’s side as the campaign nears its end.
A defeat to Argentina might not immediately derail Colombia’s hopes, but with Venezuela facing Uruguay next, the three-point gap could shrink or even disappear, setting the stage for a nervy finish in the final two matchdays.
