Argentina returns to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, playing host to Bolivia at the iconic Estadio Mâs Monumental.

Lionel Scaloni’s side were held to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela last time out to start the October international break. Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring with a shot from close range after a set piece, while José Salomon Rondon equalized in the second half with a thumping header.

Neither side could generate much forward going forward, as Lionel Messi explained that Argentina “couldn’t complete two passes in a row” due to the waterlogged pitch at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín.

Now La Albiceleste returns to Buenos Aires to play in front of the supporters after a two-match winless World Cup qualifier. Scaloni will likely be without the likes of Paulo Dybala, Nicolás Gonzalez and Marcos Acuña for the match, but Argentina have more than enough quality to get the job done and stay at the top of the CONBEMOL qualifying standings.

GK: Gerónimo Rulli—With Emiliano Martínez suspended for the final game of his two-match ban, Rulli gets the nod in goal again.

RB: Gonzalo Montiel—With Nahuel Molina potentially playing a more advanced role, Montiel slots in at right back alongside Romero.

CB: Cristian Romero—The Tottenham Hotspur defender returns to the backline after serving a one-match suspension against Venezuela for yellow cards.

CB: Lisandro MartinezAlthough Nicolás Otamendi was in the right place at the right time to get on the scoresheet last time out, Scaloni could look to give Martínez a start alongside Romero in the heart of the defense. The combination is perhaps Argentina’s strongest in the back line.

LB: Nicolas Tagliafico—The former Ajax full-back will retain his place in the team at left-back and will look to drive upfield and help in the final third.

RM: Nahuel Molina—Molina typically plays as a wing-back but could play an advanced role against Bolivia in a bid to create more chances for the team.

CM: Rodrigo De Paul—The Atlético Madrid figure is one of the first names on Scaloni’s team sheets, keeping things moving in midfield.

CM: Enzo Fernandez—The former River Plate player forms the midfield partnership alongside De Paul, providing cover for the back line while having the ability to make Argentina jump forward on the counter.

LM: Thiago Almada—Almada will get another start in Scaloni’s side, but out wide as a left midfielder rather than as an attacking midfielder, the position he often plays for his club team Botafogo.

ST: Lionel MessiThe 37-year-old legend will start up front again as Scaloni hopes to wrap up the match at half-time, potentially allowing Messi to be taken off the pitch earlier.

ST: Lautaro Martinez—The Inter Milan striker looks to take the lead alongside Messi and continue his solid recent form for his national team.

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