Argentina led by Lionel Messi will play against Peru on 20 November 2024 at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires as they pursue the qualification round for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Argentina is still at the top of the standings despite losing to Paraguay 2-1 recently, while Peru is seemingly doomed to be at the very bottom of the table. La Albiceleste will be looking to bounce back and maintain its course of momentum in the chase, while Peru needs to win this to progress from its current ranks.

After the loss to Paraguay, Argentina is keen to showcase their strength, particularly with Messi leading the charge. Lautaro Martínez noted after the match, that the team needs more improvement, despite their overall solid position. Last month, Peru secured a 1-0 victory against Uruguay at home, achieving their first win. Unfortunately, they were unable to carry this momentum forward and suffered a 4-0 defeat to Brazil in an away match.

Before facing Argentina, Peru is preparing for a crucial match against Chile on November 15. Both teams have only secured one win each in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, placing them under considerable pressure. The upcoming match on Friday could be pivotal, as a loss might threaten either team’s chances of qualifying. With the stakes so high, every point is vital in this intense matchup.

Expected Starting Lineups

Argentina’s projected starting XI with a 4-3-3 formation showcases some well-known players, with Emiliano Martínez at the goal and a solid defense made up of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and Nicolás Tagliafico. The midfield is expected to include Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister. Up front, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, and Julián Álvarez are set to spearhead the attack, looking to recover after the defeat against Paraguay.

For Peru, their anticipated 4-5-2 formation will feature Pedro Gallese as the goalkeeper, supported by a defense that consists of Miguel Araujo, Carlos Zambrano, and Luis Abram. The midfield is likely to include Luis Advincula, Oliver Sonne, Jesus Castillo, Sergio Peña, and Alexander Callens while Gianluca Lapadula and Edison Flores will handle the offensive duties.

Head-to-Head Stats and Recent History

Argentina and Peru have a long-standing rivalry, having met 16 times in various competitions. Argentina leads the series with 12 victories, while Peru has not managed to win any of these encounters, with 4 matches resulting in draws.  The goal difference is 34-8 in favor of Argentina. During the last 5 meetings with Argentina playing at home, Argentina has won 4 times, there has been 1 draw while Peru has won 0 times. The goal difference is 8-2 in favor of Argentina. The last time Argentina faced Peru was in Copa America 24, where they defeated them by 2-0. For Peru, this fixture represents an opportunity to secure crucial points and reverse a challenging history against the reigning World Champions.

Live Streaming and TV Channels

The Argentina vs. Peru match is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, with kickoff set for 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT. Fans in the United States can catch the action live on Fanatiz USA.