In a match set to captivate millions of fans, Argentina hosts Colombia this Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 9 p.m. Brasília time, at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium in Buenos Aires, for the 16th round of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The game, featuring stars like Lionel Messi and Luis Díaz, pits the unbeaten leader Argentina, with 34 points, against fourth-placed Colombia, with 19 points, fighting for a direct World Cup spot. With 84,000 tickets sold, the match will be broadcast live on SporTV 2 and Globoplay, starting at 8 p.m. The rivalry, heightened by the 2024 Copa América final, gains a new chapter in a tactical battle between coaches Lionel Scaloni and Néstor Lorenzo.
The anticipation in Buenos Aires is electric. The Argentine crowd will turn the Monumental into a cauldron, while the Colombians bank on their attackers’ speed to pull off an upset. The game also carries historical weight: Argentina hasn’t lost to Colombia at home in the Qualifiers since 1993.
- Key attractions: Messi, with over 100 goals for the national team, and Díaz, a Liverpool standout.
- Stadium: The Monumental, home of River Plate, is known for its intense fan pressure.
- Weather: Temperatures around 22°C, with a chance of light rain, may affect the pitch.
The matchup promises to be a spectacle of strategy and talent, with both teams fielding star-studded lineups.
Rivalry in the spotlight
The Argentina-Colombia clash is one of South America’s fiercest. In 42 official matches, Argentina has won 21 times, compared to 10 Colombian victories and 11 draws. Their last meeting, in the 2024 Copa América final, ended with a 1-0 Argentine win, thanks to a Lautaro Martínez goal. Colombia, however, dreams of repeating their 1993 feat, a 5-0 rout in Buenos Aires, one of the biggest upsets in Qualifiers history.
Argentina boasts impressive stats at the Monumental, with five straight home wins in the current Qualifiers. Their defense, anchored by Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, has conceded just two goals in the last 10 matches. Colombia, despite consistent results, struggles away from home, with only one win in their last five road games.
How to watch live
Fans have accessible options to follow the game. SporTV 2 starts coverage at 8 p.m., offering tactical analysis, interviews, and confirmed lineups. Globoplay provides real-time streaming for subscribers, available on smartphones, tablets, and computers. Sports portals and social media will also deliver minute-by-minute updates, highlighting key moments and performances by Messi and Díaz.
The audience is expected to be massive, driven by the global appeal of the stars and the historic rivalry. The broadcast will feature commentary from experts, including former players and coaches, breaking down Scaloni’s and Lorenzo’s strategies.
Probable lineups
Argentina, despite absences like Giovani Lo Celso, is expected to field its core squad. Lionel Scaloni opts for a 4-4-2 with possession and high pressing:
- Emiliano Martínez in goal, with Molina, Romero, Otamendi, and Valentín Barco in defense.
- Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada, and Rodrigo De Paul in midfield.
- Messi and Julián Álvarez, who has seven goals in the Qualifiers, up top.
Colombia, led by Néstor Lorenzo, employs a 4-3-3 focused on quick transitions:
- David Ospina in goal, with Sánchez, Lucumí, Muñoz, and Machado in defense.
- Richard Ríos, Jefferson Lerma, and James Rodríguez in midfield.
- Jaminton Campaz, Jhon Arias, and Luis Díaz in attack.
The tactical choices reflect contrasting styles: Argentina aims to control the game, while Colombia prioritizes lethal counterattacks.
Players who could shine
Lionel Messi, at 38, remains Argentina’s heartbeat. With five goals against Colombia in official matches, the number 10 combines vision, dribbling, and decisive passes. Julián Álvarez, with seven Qualifiers goals, is another threat, especially in deep runs.
For Colombia, Luis Díaz is the main hope. The Liverpool forward, with four goals in the competition, excels in speed and precise finishing. James Rodríguez, with over 30 assists for the national team, will orchestrate the attack. In midfield, Enzo Fernández and Richard Ríos promise a fierce battle for possession.
Qualifiers performance
Argentina is enjoying a flawless campaign, with five consecutive wins:
- 1-0 against Chile, away.
- 2-0 against Peru, at home.
- 1-0 against Uruguay, away.
- 3-0 against Bolivia, at home.
- 2-1 against Venezuela, away.
Colombia, while competitive, has been less consistent:
- 1-1 draw with Peru, away.
- 2-1 win over Brazil, at home.
- 0-0 draw with Uruguay, at home.
- 3-0 win over Bolivia, at home.
- 1-0 win over Ecuador, away.
These numbers highlight Argentina’s solidity and Colombia’s ability to compete in key matches.
Refereeing and conditions
Paraguayan Juan Gabriel Benítez will officiate, assisted by compatriots and Chilean Juan Lara on VAR. The refereeing will face challenges due to the game’s intensity, especially in physical midfield battles. The forecast of 22°C and light rain could make the pitch slippery, demanding caution in high-speed plays.
Ticket frenzy
Football passion in Buenos Aires is evident in ticket sales. All 84,000 Monumental seats sold out in hours, with prices ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 Argentine pesos. Colombian fans struggled to secure tickets, and the black market saw prices triple. The Argentine crowd is set to create an intimidating atmosphere.
Memorable rivalry moments
The Argentina-Colombia classic is rich in history:
- Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the 2024 Copa América final.
- Colombia hasn’t won in Buenos Aires in the Qualifiers since 1993.
- Messi has scored five goals against Colombia in official matches.
- James Rodríguez is Colombia’s all-time assist leader.
- The Monumental is one of South America’s most feared stadiums.
Match significance
For Argentina, already qualified, the game is a chance to maintain their unbeaten streak and test tactical variations. For Colombia, the result could be pivotal in securing a direct 2026 World Cup spot. With abundant talent and a historic rivalry, the clash promises to be a round highlight.
the game will be broadcast live on SporTV 2 and Globoplay
Game trivia
The matchup is packed with intriguing details:
- The Monumental hasn’t seen an Argentine loss to Colombia in the Qualifiers since 1993.
- Messi and Díaz are the only players from their teams in the world’s top 30 in 2024.
- Colombia has won just one away game in the last five Qualifiers.
- Scaloni has never lost to Colombia as Argentina’s coach.
On-field strategies
Scaloni will likely leverage possession and fan support to press early. Thiago Almada’s midfield presence adds creativity, while De Paul brings intensity. Lorenzo, meanwhile, bets on defensive compactness and quick breaks, with Díaz and Arias exploiting the flanks. The tactical duel between the coaches will be as captivating as the stars’ performances.
