This March international break could be pivotal for the aspirations of several South American teams. Matchdays 13 and 14 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers are set to be played in the coming days, and the results could have significant implications for the fate of teams such as Argentina and Uruguay.
Argentina currently lead the standings with 25 points, a result of eight wins, one draw, and three defeats. Not only are they 5 points ahead of their nearest competitor, but they also hold a 12-point advantage over Bolivia, the first team outside the direct qualification zone for the World Cup. With just six matches remaining in the competition, Lionel Scaloniâs team is increasingly close to securing their spot.
Uruguay have also delivered strong performances in the South American qualifiers. They sit in second place with 20 points, having recorded five wins, five draws, and two losses. Unlike Argentina, Uruguay are not yet in a position to clinch qualification, but a victory over the reigning world champions would bring them much closer to their goal.
Argentinaâs lineup against Uruguay
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has faced significant challenges in planning his lineup for this March international break, primarily due to injuries to key players such as Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala, and Giovani Lo Celso, who have all been left out of the squad.
Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina
With this in mind, Argentinaâs XI to face Uruguay is: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Giuliano Simeone; Julian Alvarez, Thiago Almada.
see also
Uruguay vs Argentina 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers LIVE: How to watch and start time
Uruguayâs lineup vs Argentina
In contrast to Scaloni, Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa has most of his star players available for Fridayâs crucial match against Argentina. The lineup will be: Sergio Rochet; Nahitan Nandez, Ronald Araujo, Jose Maria Gimenez, Mathias Olivera; Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Giorgian De Arrascaeta; Facundo Pellistri, Darwin Nunez, Maximiliano Araujo.
Argentina and Uruguayâs upcoming matches
Fridayâs match at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo is crucial for both teams, but they are also aware of the importance of their upcoming fixtures. With the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup nearing their end, every match is critical in the battle to secure a place in netx yearâs tournament.
Argentinaâs schedule includes another key match next Tuesday, where they will host Brazil at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. On the same day, but a few hours earlier, Uruguay will face a daunting task as they travel to La Paz to take on Bolivia at the Estadio Municipal El Alto, located 13,615 feet above sea level.
