Argentina, the reigning world champions, will take on Paraguay in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers clash at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The ARG vs PAR match will start at 4:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on Friday, October 13.

The Argentina national football team head into the match on the back of their 3-0 win over the Bolivia national football team in their second World Cup qualifier match having earlier registered a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in September.

Argentina, with six points from two matches, are currently placed second behind Brazil on goal difference in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers standings.

Since their win over France to clinch the 2022 FIFA World Cup crown in Qatar, Argentina are on a six-match winning run in all competitions. 

However, Argentina are sweating over the fitness of their captain Lionel Messi, who missed the clash against Bolivia with an injury. 

Although the former Barcelona and PSG star is in the squad for the upcoming clash against Paraguay, the 36-year-old is doubtful to start in Friday’s match.

Besides Lionel Messi, Argentina will be without the services of midfielder Angel di Maria and centre-back Lisandro Martinez who are out of the squad with injuries. Star forward Paulo Dybala is also ruled out of Friday’s match due to an injury.

Paraguay, meanwhile, are yet to register a win in the ongoing South American World Cup qualifiers. In their first two qualifying matches, Paraguay played out a goalless draw with Peru in their opening encounter before losing 0-1 to Venezuela in September.

In the match against Argentina, Paraguay will have a new coach, Daniel Garnero in the dugout. The Argentine replaced compatriot Guillermo Barros Schelotto after Paraguay’s poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Following their back-to-back defeats, Paraguay are currently languishing in sixth place with a solitary point in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers standings.

Argentina vs Paraguay football head-to-head

In the head-to-head between these teams, Argentina enjoys a superior record against Paraguay, having won 59 of 110 matches across competitions. Paraguay have registered victories in 16 games while 35 matches have ended in a draw.

In the last five matches between the two teams, Argentina have won one and lost one while the other three matches have ended in a draw. Argentina’s last defeat against Paraguay came in a FIFA World Cup qualifier back in 2016.

Where to watch Argentina vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers live in India?

Live streaming of Argentina vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers will be available on FIFA+ app and website in India.

There will be no live telecast of Argentina vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on any TV channel in India.

Photo credit: Alamy