Reigning world champions Argentina have practically secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With six games still to play, the Albiceleste dominates the South American qualifying group with 25 points: their lead over seventh place is such (12 points) that Lionel Scaloni’s men can sleep soundly, although they will still try to protect their first place from a possible assault by their “cousins” from Uruguay, currently second, five points behind.
The first match of 2025 coincides with the always highly anticipated Rio de la Plata derby against La Celeste at the Centenario in Montevideo. Argentina will be without Leo Messi, who is struggling with an injury. But Scaloni will also have to do without Dybala, who was injured in his last match with Roma.
On the other hand, the Argentine coach has called up seven ‘Italians’, i.e. players who play in Serie A. They include Dominguez and Castro from Bologna, Nico Paz and Perrone from Como, as well as veterans Nico Gonzalez and Paredes. Lautaro Martinez was initially called up, but the Inter captain immediately returned to Italy due to injury.
Scaloni will experiment but also expects a reaction after the inconsistent results between September and November, which included defeats to Colombia and Paraguay. Uruguay has also failed to impress, still struggling to take off despite having an experienced coach like Marcelo Bielsa at the helm. La Celeste slowed down a bit in the fall, as evidenced by the fact that they have only won one game (3-2 against Colombia) in six matches. The attacking statistics are also worrying: excluding the three goals scored against Colombia, Uruguay has failed to score in four games. Bielsa will be asking for more from Darwin Nunez, who is coming off a less than brilliant performance with Liverpool.
Odds comparison
The “X2” sign is quoted at 1.42 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. The “Under 2.5” sign is quoted at 1.45 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.47 on Snai.
More information on bonuses
If you are a new user, in order to compare odds comprehensively, it may be useful to also analyze any bonuses offered by the operators themselves on new registrations.
- GOLDBET – Up to €3050 for sports and casino with 200% on your first sports deposit up to €1000 MORE INFO
- SNAI – €15 free + 50% on your first deposit up to €30 MORE INFO
- LOTTOMATICA – Up to €3050 for sports and casino with 200% on your first sports deposit up to €1000 MORE INFO
Prediction
Since 2015, only once in official matches between these two national teams have more than two goals been scored. We expect a tight game with few goals this time around, also taking into account Uruguay’s surprising offensive drought. Argentina, despite the absence of Messi and Lautaro Martinez, who was injured at the last minute, should be able to avoid defeat, thus redeeming themselves for their defeat in November 2023, when La Celeste won 2-0 in Buenos Aires.
Probable line-ups for Uruguay-Argentina
URUGUAY (4-2-3-1): Rochet; Nandez, R. Araujo, Gimenez, Saracchi; Valverde, Bentancur; Pellistri, Aguirre, M. Araujo; Darwin Nunez.
ARGENTINA (4-3-3): Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Nico González, Correa, Julian Álvarez.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1