Colombia visit Argentina at the iconic Mas Monumental Stadium in a must-win clash. After going five straight matches without a victory, the pressure is mounting on Néstor Lorenzo’s squad to bounce back. Meanwhile, Argentina come into the match in top form, having already punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the first CONMEBOL team to qualify.
Argentina and Colombia will be meeting for the third time in the past twelve months, with the two countries splitting the record a win apiece. Argentina, however, secured bragging rights after defeating their counterparts in the Copa America Final back in July 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Colombia avenged that loss—though not fully—with their statement 2-1 victory at home during their first meeting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. These two teams have grown a despise for each other. Their upcoming matchup on Argentinian soil is set to follow the recent trend of heated showdowns between the ‘Albiceleste’ and the ‘Cafeteros’.
What happens if Colombia beats Argentina?
A win over the reigning world champions would push Colombia to 24 points, placing them firmly in the automatic qualification zone for the 2026 World Cup. However, given how tight the CONMEBOL standings are, their position could still shift depending on results elsewhere.
James Rodriguez of Colombia
What happens if Colombia and Argentina tie?
A draw would move Colombia to 22 points. That could be enough to keep them in sixth place, but if Brazil drop points against Paraguay, Colombia might climb to fifth. Every result matters at this stage.
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What happens if Colombia loses to Argentina?
A loss would leave Colombia stuck at 21 points. Even so, they would most probably hold onto sixth place, as Venezuela — currently seventh — can only reach 21 points with a win.
Regardless, the Colombian national team would hold the tie-breaker thanks to its goal differential. Therefore even if Colombia suffered a setback in Buenos Aires, they would remain in a direct qualification spot to the upcoming World Cup.
