CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying: Argentina vs Uruguay betting preview

Unlike most of the world, South America (CONMEBOL) begins their World Cup qualifying extremely early. That means we’re already into matchday five this week as all clubs head on international break. Thursday happens to bring a tantalizing clash between title-holders Argentina and Uruguay at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. The kick-off is scheduled for 7 PM ET. La Albiceleste is a perfect 4-0-0 so far in the competition and has yet to even concede a single goal. The Uruguayans happen to be second in the table and will surely be looking for three points here. Continue reading for head-to-head history and the match preview.

Head-to-head

There happens to be a rich history between Argentina and Uruguay, but the World Cup winners have had the upper hand over the last 10 years. They’ve won five of the previous seven meetings and the other two matches ended level. The Argentines have also allowed just two goals during that span against their South American rivals. Considering Uruguay isn’t the same force as the past, we could see another victory here. 

Argentina flying high

Lionel Scaloni’s side hasn’t missed a beat since lifting the grand prize in Qatar last year thanks to Lionel Messi’s brilliance. They’ve won eight games in a row since the turn of the year. The most impressive part? Argentina has kept a clean sheet in every single match. That is ridiculously impressive. Sure, their opponents weren’t the most difficult but regardless, it proves why they’re a global powerhouse.

When it comes to qualifying, La Albiceleste has bagged seven goals and by no surprise, Messi is to thank for three of them. In fact, the Inter Miami superstar netted a brace in their matchday four affair with Peru on October 17th, putting his brilliance on full display. It’s unknown if Messi will suit up for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, but by the looks of it, he isn’t exactly aging.

Thursday’s fixture is an important one for the hosts, who happen to face arch-rivals Brazil next week as well. Sure, it’s early in the campaign with many games left, but every single one is important when it comes to qualifying for the biggest competition in the world. Argentina is a heavy -190 favorite at 888sport to win this one.

Uruguay holding their own

After a disappointing World Cup in Qatar where they failed to progress out of Group H, Uruguay has played rather well since then, losing just once in their previous eight appearances. They even managed to get revenge on South Korea in a friendly in March, the same side who edged them out in Qatar to get into the knockout stages.

In qualifying, the Uruguayans own a 2-1-1 record, scoring eight times and allowing five goals in their own net. Most notably, Marcelo Bielsa’s men just beat Brazil on matchday four by a score of 2-0, with Darwin Nunez and Nicolas de la Cruz producing the goods. Nunez, who plies his trade for Liverpool, has two goals and two assists thus far. De la Cruz has also hammered home three goals. It’s been a long time coming since Uruguay beat Argentina, hence their steep odds at all soccer betting sites.