Argentina returns to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and hosts Bolivia at the legendary Estadio Mâs Monumental.

At the start of the international break in October, Lionel Scaloni's team's last game against Venezuela drew 1-1. Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring with a close-range shot from a set-piece, while José Salomon Rondon equalized with a powerful header in the second half.

Neither team was able to generate much going forward, with Lionel Messi stating that Argentina “couldn't complete two passes in a row” due to the wet pitch at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín.

Now the Albiceleste returns to Buenos Aires to play in front of their fans after being winless in two away games in World Cup qualifying. Scaloni will likely be without the likes of Paulo Dybala, Nicolás Gonzalez and Marcos Acuña in the competition, but Argentina have more than enough quality to do the job and stay at the top of the CONBEMOL qualifying table.

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

RB: Gonzalo Montiel– With Nahuel Molina potentially playing a more advanced role, Montiel will be deployed at right-back alongside Romero.

CB: Cristian Romero– The Tottenham Hotspur defender returns to the back line after serving a one-match ban and being sidelined against Venezuela for accumulating yellow cards.

CB: Lisandro Martinez—Although 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 starting spot in the heart of the defense alongside Romero. The pairing is arguably Argentina's strongest defense.

LB: Nicolás Tagliafico—The former Ajax full-back keeps his place in the team as a left-back and looks to move up the pitch and help out in the final third.

RM: Nahuel Molina—Molina usually plays as a full-back, but could take on a more advanced role against Bolivia to give the team more chances.

CM: Rodrigo De Paul—The Atlético Madrid figure is one of the first names on Scaloni's squad list and keeps things moving in midfield.

CM: Enzo Fernandez—The former River Plate player forms the midfield alongside De Paul, acting as cover for the defense while also having the ability to push Argentina forward on the counterattack.

LM: Thiago Almada—Almada made another start in Scaloni's team, albeit as a left midfielder rather than an attacking midfielder, the position he often plays for his club team Botafogo.

ST: Lionel Messi– The 37-year-old legend starts in the lead again, while Scaloni hopes to finish the game at half-time to potentially eliminate Messi early.

ST: Lautaro Martinez– The Inter Milan striker wants to join Messi at the top as he looks to continue his current solid form for his national team.

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