Argentina vs Paraguay
Another head coach is about to make his national team debut this international break, as Daniel Garnero is set to take over in Paraguay. And he’s up for a daunting challenge right away because they’ll be up against Argentina for the continuation of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
In the CONMEBOL qualifiers, the top six teams are guaranteed a spot in the World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Two matchdays in, and Paraguay are clinging on to the sixth spot with one point, while Argentina are the second-seeded nation with six points, level with Brazil.
Needless to say, Garnero is facing an uphill battle to guide La Albirroja back to the World Cup, especially since the pre-game SBOTOP betting odds aren’t too optimistic about their chances on Thursday.
Talking Points
Messi might not play the full 90 for Argentina
Lionel Messi returned to action over the weekend for Inter Miami’s 1-0 loss against FC Cincinnati, and he traveled with Argentina in this international break.
Inter Miami had a great chance to make the Major League Soccer playoffs with the arrival of Lionel Messi, despite starting their 2023-24 campaign poorly. However, his untimely hamstring injury derailed their playoff hopes because he went on to miss five of the team’s six previous games.
Messi played limited minutes last weekend, so there are valid questions about his fitness. And although he scored an incredible goal during Argentina’s most recent practice, there’s not much incentive to give him his regular full workload on Thursday.
The good news for Argentina is that they no longer need Messi to carry the team because they’re deep.
Nicolas Gonzalez, Angel Di Maria, and Julian Alvarez started up front for Argentina in their most recent victory against Bolivia. In their 3-0 win, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Nicolas Gonzalez were in the World Cup 2026 highlights reel because they scored one goal apiece.
Lautaro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho, Angel Correa, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister can all score goals when needed, while they’re also well-covered at the back with Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, and Emi Martinez present.
Garnero promises a new approach for Paraguay
After a run of just one victory in seven games over the last 12 months, Paraguay decided to sack Guillermo Barros Schelotto in September, and Daniel Garnero is set to take over for his first international managerial role.
Garnero boasts a great coaching CV in Paraguay, having won the domestic league eight times with Guarani, Olimpia, and Libertad, which is a remarkable feat. And he plans to bring his tactical nous to rejuvenate La Albirroja’s World Cup push.
The Argentinean head coach said that he wants Paraguay to be more proactive with the ball rather than waiting for a smash-and-grab opportunity most of the time.
On paper, Miguel Almiron and Antonio Sanabria would benefit from Garnero’s attack-minded and possession-based philosophy, making them the players to look out for this Thursday.
Almiron is off to a great start this season with three goals already for Newcastle United, while Sanabria will aim to regain his confidence as he’s out of form currently at Torino.
History
So far in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, Argentina have shown why they’re the cream of the crop in the region alongside Brazil.
That is because, since their win over France to take home the World Cup crown in Qatar last year, Argentina have been on a six-game winning streak in all competitions. And the scary thing about Lionel Scaloni’s men is that they have yet to concede a single goal in this amazing stretch while scoring 17 goals in the final third.
Paraguay have been somewhat of a bogey team for Argentina, as Argentina have only beaten Paraguay once in their last five encounters (D3, L1), though La Albiceleste’s last loss against La Albirroja came in a World Cup qualifier back in 2016.
But compared to Argentina, Paraguay’s recent form has been subpar because they’ve only won one game so far in 2023 (D1, L2).
Betting Tip
The World Cup 2026 odds have Argentina as the massive favourites to win this qualifying match. The defending World Cup champions are priced at 1.25 to win, while a rare Paraguay victory is at 8.25 odds and a draw is at 5.00 in the 1X2 market.
Paraguay have frustrated Argentina over the years, but it’s hard to see why that will be the case again on Thursday, even if Lionel Messi is not going to be fully involved.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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