The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers continue with a critical South American clash: Argentina national football team vs Peru national football team lineups is more than just another match—it’s a story of pressure, injury crises, and last chances. The Albiceleste are reeling from an unexpected 2-1 loss to Paraguay, while Peru is desperate to revive a fading qualification campaign.
It is time to take a closer look at the line-ups of the argentina national football team vs peru national football team lineups, main facts about the match and the tactical perspectives, as well as to dwell upon the overall context of this important World Cup qualification match.
Argentina National Football Team Vs Peru National Football Team Lineups: Match Overview
- Fixture: Argentina vs. Peru
- Date: Tuesday, November 19
- Kick-off: 7 PM ET
- Venue: Estadio Alberto J. Armando (La Bombonera), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL)
Headline: Argentina Has Got to Come Back
The Albiceleste and Lionel Messi mark resulted in its third defeat in the qualifying match against Paraguay in a frustrating game. After goal scoring by Lautaro Martinez, Argentina lost the game 2-1. The team has had to deal with the pressure of returning to form following that shock outcome especially given the fact that Uruguay and Brazil are hot on their heels in the table standings.
To Scaloni, the injury list is complicated. Several stalwarts such as Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and German Pezzella are unavailable and the coach would have to resort to less accomplished alternatives to these names by choosing Leonardo Balerdi. The problems increased due to the unavailability of creative winger Nico Gonzalez and exciting forward Paulo Dybala.
AR Confirmed Argentina Starting XI (4-3-3)
Here’s a quick look at the official Argentina national football team vs Peru national football team lineups for the World Cup qualifier:
| Position | Player |
| Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martínez |
| Right Back | Gonzalo Montiel |
| Center Back | Leonardo Balerdi |
| Center Back | Nicolás Otamendi |
| Left Back | Nicolás Tagliafico |
| Midfielder | Rodrigo De Paul |
| Midfielder | Enzo Fernández |
| Midfielder | Alexis Mac Allister |
| Forward | Lionel Messi (C) |
| Forward | Lautaro Martínez |
| Forward | Julián Álvarez |
Injuries: Romero, Pezzella, Li. Martínez, Dybala, Acuña, N. González
Suspensions: None
Scaloni is sticking with his tried and trusted midfield trio of De Paul, Fernández, and Mac Allister to maintain fluidity and link-up play. Messi, although aging, remains the creative heartbeat, and all eyes will be on whether he can once again pull Argentina out of a slump.
🇵🇪 Confirmed Peru Starting XI (3-5-2)
| Position | Player |
| Goalkeeper | Pedro Gallese |
| Center Back | Carlos Zambrano |
| Center Back | Luis Abram Araujo |
| Center Back | Alexander Callens |
| Right Midfield | Andy Polo |
| Central Midfield | Oliver Sonne |
| Central Midfield | Jesus Castillo |
| Central Midfield | Sergio Peña |
| Left Midfield | Luis Advíncula |
| Forward | Paolo Guerrero |
| Forward | Alex Valera |
Injuries: Renato Tapia (groin)
Suspensions: None
Head coach Jorge Fossati has opted for a more experienced backline and a physical midfield to try and contain Argentina’s movement and tempo. Guerrero’s presence up front provides a focal point, though he’ll need better service than what Peru offered in their 0-0 stalemate against Chile.
Argentina: The Defense in the Hot Seat
Argentina will be missing a number of first-choice defenders thus they will have to make all the compromises that have to rely on a makeshift backline that can be exposed by even a bottom-placed Peru. Leonardo Balerdi who has had little experience at this level will have to rise to the occasion with experienced Otamendi.
Scaloni will have his men control possession with the team deploying a high press where Tagliafico and Montiel will always be wide in supporting Messi who will be dropping deep to create play. Interior forward Lautaro and the midfielder Alvarez will be expected to interchange efficiently to get access to the back five of Peru.
Peru: Will the Underdogs be able to Hold the Fort?
It looks like Fossati is planning to move towards a back three defense with five men in the midfield with the target of counter-attacking as the strategy to frustrate Argentina in this game. Luis Advdncula and Andy Polo will play a central role in getting wide transitions, whereas Castillo and Pea have to cut off Messi’s supply line.
Match History & Statistics
| Statistic | Argentina | Peru |
| All-time Meetings | 58 | |
| Wins | 37 | 7 |
| Draws | 14 | |
| Last 5 Meetings | Argentina won 4 | Peru won 0 |
| Goals Scored (2026 Quail.) | 20 | 3 |
| Goals Conceded | 11 | 16 |
| Key Scorer | Lionel Messi (6) | Guerrero (1) |
Peru last defeated Argentina in World Cup qualifiers back in 1985. Since then, Argentina has been dominant, including a string of victories in recent years.
Players To Watch Out
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi is still performing well in international events despite injuries during the season. He has scored six goals in the qualifying already making him the best goal scorer in Argentina. The threat of goal scoring, passing and his vision make him the ultimate X-factor.
Lautara Martinez (Argentina)
Technical and exciting forward, Lautaro is in magnificent club and national form, he loves through balls and fast attack combinations. He will want to take advantage of the defensive loopholes of Peru and extend his attacking streak.
Pedro Gallese (Peru)
The Peruvian captain who doubles up as a goalkeeper comes back in replacement of suspension and he is to be sharp. Gallese shot-stopping skill may spell the difference between Peru remaining in the match against a team capable of attacking at all angles.
Paolo Guerrero (Peru)
The experienced forward remains a figure in the Peruvian team. Guerrero, as an experienced player and ball-holder, is key, as far as Peru is concerned, in troubling the scoreboard.
How to Watch – Global Coverage
| Country | TV Channel | Streaming Options |
| USA | Telemundo | Fubo, ViX |
| Canada | — | Fanatiz |
| UK | Premier Sports 1 | Premier Player |
| Australia | SBS | SBS on Demand |
| India | — | Fanatiz |
Live stream the Argentina national football team vs Peru national football team lineups and full match on Fubo (USA) or Fanatiz globally.
Prediction & Final Thoughts
Prediction: Argentina 2 – 0 Peru
Argentina is expected to bounce back strongly. Despite their injury concerns, their firepower in attack and depth in midfield should overpower a Peruvian side that has struggled offensively throughout the qualifiers. Peru may be able to hold the Albiceleste at bay for portions of the match, but sustained pressure is likely to wear them down.
This fixture also serves as Argentina’s final qualifier of 2024—an important mental reset before March’s difficult double-header against Uruguay and Brazil.
Final Takeaways
- Argentina must win to avoid losing their top spot in CONMEBOL standings.
- Peru’s World Cup hopes hinge on a miracle run starting here.
- Key absences on both sides could make for an unpredictable battle.
- Messi’s leadership, even at 37, remains pivotal in these high-pressure encounters.
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