Defending champions Argentina have taken a giant step toward securing their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Thiago Almada that sealed a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in a tightly contested South American qualifier at Estadio Centenario.
Missing several key players including Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Paulo Dybala due to injury, Argentina showed their depth and resilience in a hard-fought encounter against their traditional rivals. The win leaves Lionel Scaloni’s side firmly at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table, now six points ahead of second-placed Ecuador with five matches still to play.
Almada Steps Into the Spotlight
In a match defined by grit and determination, it was Almada — currently on loan at Lyon from Brazilian club Botafogo — who provided the game’s standout moment. In the 68th minute, he collected a pass from Julian Alvarez and unleashed a curling 25-yard strike that flew past Uruguay’s goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, igniting celebrations among the visiting Argentine contingent.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has been steadily growing in stature since his surprise inclusion in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Almada, who at the time was the first active Major League Soccer player to win a World Cup, seized his opportunity to shine on the international stage once more.
“I’m thrilled to contribute,” Almada said post-match. “We knew it would be a battle, but this team always rises to the occasion. It’s a privilege to wear this shirt and score in such an important match.”
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Scaloni Praises Team Character
Head coach Lionel Scaloni was full of praise for his squad, emphasizing the importance of collective effort amid injury setbacks.
“When one player is missing, another steps up. That’s the spirit of this team,” Scaloni said. “We’re not only happy about the result but also with the commitment and intensity the players brought to the pitch. This was a complete team performance.”
Argentina had lost the reverse fixture 2-0 to Uruguay in Buenos Aires last November, making this result a satisfying redemption. The defeat had briefly opened the door for Uruguay to challenge for top spot, but this victory reasserts Argentina’s dominance in the qualification campaign.
Uruguay Struggles to Break Down Argentina
Despite home advantage and the backing of a passionate Montevideo crowd, Uruguay found it difficult to break down a disciplined Argentine defense. Marcelo Bielsa’s men looked dangerous in the opening stages but were limited to half-chances for most of the match.
Veteran striker Darwin Núñez struggled to find space against the experienced centre-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi, while midfield maestro Federico Valverde was kept under close watch throughout the night.
Adding to Uruguay’s frustration, Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez put in a composed performance, dealing confidently with crosses and commanding his area effectively.
Late Drama: Red Card for González
As the match edged into injury time, emotions ran high and Argentina Almada were reduced to ten men when winger Nicolás González was shown a straight red card for a reckless high challenge. Fortunately for Scaloni’s side, the dismissal came too late to allow Uruguay any significant advantage.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina held firm in the final Almada minutes to secure all three points — a testament to their tactical organization and mental toughness.
The Road Ahead
Argentina now turn their attention to a high-profile clash Almada against third-placed Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. A win in that fixture would mathematically guarantee their qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America, continuing their quest to defend the title they lifted in Qatar.
Elsewhere in South American qualifiers, Ecuador boosted their chances of qualification with a 2-1 win over Venezuela, courtesy of a brace from Enner Valencia, the former Premier League forward who continues to be pivotal for his national team.
As it stands, Argentina sit comfortably at the summit of the 10-team group, with Scaloni’s men showing once again that they possess both the star power and squad depth to remain a dominant force in world football.
Final Score:
Uruguay 0 – 1 Argentina
Goal: Thiago Almada (68’)
Red Card: Nicolás González (90+5’)
