Uruguai and Argentina are set for a historic showdown at the Estádio Centenário in Montevideo on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 20:30 Brasília time, during the 13th round of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The two teams, rivals steeped in a long-standing footballing tradition, are ready to clash again, adding another chapter to their extensive history.
Currently, the Uruguayan national team sits in second place in the qualifiers, boasting 20 points from 12 games. They have achieved five victories, five draws, and only two losses, showcasing a commendable performance so far. Meanwhile, Argentina leads the standings with 25 points, having secured eight victories, one draw, and three losses.
The stakes are high for both teams as they aim to solidify their positions at the top of the table. Given the intensity of this classic rivalry, the match is expected to be fiercely contested from the very first whistle.
Uruguai, led by head coach Marcelo Bielsa, is riding a wave of competitive spirit and determination. They come into this match following a recent 1-1 draw with Brazil, and previously displayed a remarkable turnaround by defeating Colombia 3-2. The overall aim for the Celeste is to continue their strong form at home.
“With the fans behind us at Centenário, we feel confident,” said a member of the Uruguayan squad. They will be banking on the talents of young stars like Darwin Núñez and Federico Valverde to penetrate the strong Argentine defense.
On the other hand, Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, is set to face challenges with significant absentees. The team will notably miss their heroic captain, Lionel Messi, who is sidelined with an injury. Along with Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Garnacho, and Echeverri will also be absent from the squad.
Despite these setbacks, Argentina remains a formidable force. Scaloni’s strategies focus on strong defensive formations and creative midfield play. Players such as Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez are expected to shoulder the responsibility of scoring goals while they adapt to the absence of their star player.
The last meeting between Uruguai and Argentina made headlines when Uruguai triumphed over Argentina 2-0 at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, which adds extra tension to this upcoming clash as Argentina seeks revenge.
For fans eager to catch the action, the match will be broadcast live on SporTV and Globoplay, marking a must-watch event for supporters of both sides.
The probable lineup for Uruguai includes Sergio Rochet; Nahitan Nández, Ronald Araújo, José María Giménez and Marcelo Saracchi; Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur; Facundo Pellistri, Luciano Rodríguez and Maximiliano Araújo; along with Darwin Núñez up front. Marcelo Bielsa’s game plan will likely revolve around utilizing their home advantage.
In comparison, Argentina is likely to field a lineup of Emiliano Martínez in goal; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and Nicolás Tagliafico in defense; a midfield trio of Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández; with Nicolás González and Julián Álvarez leading the attack. Scaloni has confirmed that he will finalize the lineup before the match, considering last-minute adaptations.
As anticipation builds around this high-stakes match, the South American football community remains abuzz with predictions regarding potential outcomes. Will Uruguai defend their home turf, or will Argentina reclaim their rightful dominance? The outcome of this match bears not only implications for the current qualifiers but also for the sporting pride of both nations.
In a series of predictions shared among sports analysts, sentiments varied. André Donke predicted a hard-fought draw at 1-1, while Paulo Cobos forecasted a slight edge for Argentina, suggesting a 2-1 victory. Others remain optimistic, viewing it as an opportunity for high-scoring action given the offensive capabilities of both teams.
At the same time, the rivalry sits deep within the historic context of their encounters; data show that in the 209 matches played between the two nations, Argentina has claimed victory 94 times, while Uruguai has won 62, with 53 draws between them. With a goal count of 334 for Argentina against Uruguai’s 258, the numbers add a mathematical layer to the passionate competition.
As the clock ticks closer to kickoff, both teams will hope to harness their respective strengths while overcoming the challenges posed by injuries and tactical adjustments. With everything on the line, this match is more than just a qualifier; it’s a battle for supremacy in South American football.
Football fans worldwide will undoubtedly have their eyes fixed on Montevideo, eager to see which nation will emerge victorious as World Cup hopefuls heighten their ambitions under the lights of the Estádio Centenário.
