In a thrilling match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Argentina and Colombia drew 1-1 at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night, June 10, 2025. The game, marked by intense moments, featured a brilliant goal by Luis Díaz for Colombia, an equalizer by Almada for Argentina, and the expulsion of Enzo Fernández at the 25th minute of the second half due to a harsh foul. The match, still ongoing in the second half, remains tense as both teams fight for victory. The clash reflects South American rivalry and the importance of points in the standings.
The duel started evenly, with both teams showing offensive strength. Colombia, led by Luis Díaz, took the lead with a spectacular individual play, while Argentina responded with Almada’s entry, which shifted the game’s pace. However, Fernández’s red card posed a new challenge for the hosts.
- Key first-half moments:
- Luis Díaz scored a stunning goal at 23 minutes, dribbling past three defenders.
- Julián Álvarez had a clear chance but was denied by Mier’s save at 21 minutes.
- Messi was blocked by Colombia’s defense at 35 minutes.
The match remains intense, with tactical substitutions and tough fouls, keeping the Monumental de Núñez crowd on edge until the final minutes.
Luis Díaz’s stunner shifts the game
Luis Díaz, the Liverpool forward, was the first half’s standout. At 23 minutes, he received a pass from Kevin Castaño, surged down the left, dribbled past Romero, Molina, and Otamendi with ease, and fired a precise shot past Emiliano Martínez. The goal gave Colombia the lead and ignited the match, forcing Argentina to pick up the pace. Díaz had other chances, like at 12 minutes when he shot for a Martínez save and at 5 minutes when he missed the target.
Díaz’s goal showcased his speed and skill, cementing his role as a key player for Colombia. Argentina’s defense, caught off guard, had to regroup to contain the opponent’s attacking surges. The play also highlighted Colombia’s solid defensive setup, which neutralized several Argentine attempts in the first half.
Argentina’s response with Almada
At the 35th minute of the second half, Argentina found the equalizer through Thiago Almada. After a quick throw-in with Lucumí still down, Palacios found Almada at the edge of the box. The forward struck a cross-shot, beating goalkeeper Mier with precision. The goal brought relief to Argentine fans, who saw their team regain momentum despite Fernández’s expulsion.
Almada, who came on at halftime, was pivotal in changing the game’s dynamics. His movement and vision revitalized Argentina’s attack, which had heavily relied on Messi until then. The draw kept Argentina in the fight, but the numerical disadvantage made the task tougher in the following minutes.
Enzo Fernández’s red card stirs the match
The game’s most controversial moment came at the 25th minute of the second half when Enzo Fernández was sent off. The Argentine midfielder committed a serious foul, striking Kevin Castaño’s forehead with the sole of his foot. The referee showed a straight red card, sparking protests from Argentine players, but the decision stood after a VAR review.
Fernández’s absence, a key midfielder, forced Argentina to adopt a more cautious approach. Colombia, in turn, sought to exploit the extra man, with efforts from Richard Ríos and Arias, but struggled against the defense led by Cristian Romero and Emiliano Martínez.
Timeline of key moments
The match featured decisive moments that shaped its rhythm. Below are the main events up to the 51st minute of the second half:
- 23’ 1T: Luis Díaz dribbles three defenders and scores a stunner for Colombia.
- 21’ 1T: Julián Álvarez shoots powerfully, but Mier makes a great save.
- 35’ 2T: Almada equalizes for Argentina with a cross-shot.
- 25’ 2T: Enzo Fernández is sent off for a harsh foul on Castaño.
- 41’ 2T: Richard Ríos hits the post with a dangerous header.
Tactical substitutions at crucial moments
Both teams made strategic changes to adjust the game. For Argentina, Almada’s entry at halftime was key to the equalizer, while Messi’s substitution for Palacios at the 32nd minute of the second half surprised. Other changes, like Balerdi for Almada and Foyth for Medina, bolstered the defense post-expulsion.
For Colombia, Jorge Carrascal’s entry for James Rodríguez at the 27th minute of the second half added dynamism to the midfield. Andrés Román, replacing Campaz at the 11th minute of the second half, also contributed with solidity at right-back. The substitutions reflected the coaches’ attempts to control a tightly contested match.
Brilliant saves by Mier and Martínez
The goalkeepers were protagonists in critical moments. Colombia’s Mier made vital saves, like at the 21st minute of the first half, stopping a strong shot from Julián Álvarez, and at the 17th minute of the second half, denying Nico González. Emiliano Martínez shone at the 38th minute of the second half, preventing an Arias goal, and at the 14th minute, saving a Richard Ríos shot.
The goalkeepers’ performances kept the scoreline tight, with both teams creating clear chances. The defensive solidity, paired with Mier and Martínez’s interventions, was a highlight of the match so far.
Cards reflect a physical game
The match saw numerous fouls and cards. Beyond Enzo Fernández’s red card, other players were booked: Molina (31’ 1T), Paredes (27’ 2T), Davinson Sánchez (26’ 2T), and Andrés Román (33’ 2T) received yellow cards. Infractions, like fouls by Julián Álvarez, Cristian Romero, and Muñoz, underscored the game’s intensity.
The physical battle, with heated midfield duels, disrupted the flow of attacking plays. The referee intervened multiple times to maintain control, especially after Fernández’s expulsion, which heightened on-field tension.
Team stats in the qualifiers
Argentina leads the 2026 World Cup South American qualifiers with 34 points, while Colombia sits in fifth with 24 points. Their average shots per game are close (5.7 for Argentina, 6.2 for Colombia), but Argentina has an edge in corners (4.1 vs. 4). Discipline remains a challenge for both, with an average of 1.3 yellow cards for Argentina and 2 for Colombia.
These stats reflect the match’s balance, with both teams showcasing technical quality and competitiveness. The draw so far keeps Argentina atop the table, but Colombia remains in the race for a direct World Cup spot.
Attacks seek the winning goal
In the second half’s final minutes, both teams ramped up their offensive efforts. Colombia, with the numerical advantage, pressed with Richard Ríos, who hit the post at the 41st minute, and Arias, whose shot was saved by Martínez at the 38th minute. Argentina, despite being a man down, created chances with Nico González, who shot wide at the 22nd minute, and Almada, who remains the main attacking threat.
The match remains open, with both teams chasing a decisive goal. The Monumental de Núñez crowd stays vibrant, cheering Argentina, while Colombia looks to exploit gaps in the hosts’ defense.
