Argentina Face Iceland in Thrilling International Friendly: Key Predictions, Lineups, and What to Expect

Argentina concludes its 2026 World Cup preparations by taking on FIFA's 75th-ranked side, Iceland, in Auburn on Tuesday evening.

The reigning world champions are aiming to make history on North American soil this summer by becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup. France came agonizingly close in Qatar, but was narrowly beaten by a Lionel Messi-driven Albiceleste that seemed destined for glory.

Argentina's World Cup preparation has been far from smooth, particularly after Lionel Scaloni's squad cruised through qualifying. They've faced little challenge against weaker opposition, and that pattern appears likely to continue right up to the tournament's opening.

Honduras was comfortably dispatched in their previous outing, and Iceland is unlikely to offer much more of a challenge. This is not the same Iceland side that shocked the football world at Euro 2016 by advancing to the quarterfinals, before going on to become the smallest nation by population to reach the World Cup in 2018.

Iceland failed to book their place at this summer's tournament, finishing third in a qualifying group that included France, Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

Argentina vs. Iceland Score Prediction

Argentina Cruises to Victory

These two nations previously met during Iceland's only World Cup appearance eight years ago. A disappointing Argentina side was held to a 1–1 draw by the Scandinavians, who put in a commendable performance in Russia but ultimately couldn't advance from a tough group.

Nobody knows when Iceland will next grace the world stage — their fans certainly savored every moment while it lasted.

Few are optimistic about Argentina's prospects this summer, with history working against them. Preparations have been underwhelming, and many are questioning whether Messi, now 38, can replicate the brilliance he showed in Qatar. Having already reached the pinnacle of his career at the last tournament, some wonder if the hunger is still there.

Prediction: Argentina 2–0 Iceland

Argentina Predicted Lineup vs. Iceland

Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will take part against Iceland, having been kept out of Argentina's first World Cup warm-up fixture. It remains unclear how much playing time the legendary forward will receive, as Scaloni is focused on ensuring Messi is in peak condition for the tournament opener.

"We'll manage the minutes of the players who feature tomorrow to try to prevent any setbacks," Argentina's head coach stated. Nico Paz, Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel have all been dealing with minor fitness concerns, but all three are available for the friendly.

Meanwhile, Julián Álvarez and Leandro Paredes are expected to sit this one out. Scaloni did offer an encouraging update on Álvarez, however, indicating he should recover from his ankle problem in the near future.

Leonardo Balerdi has been ruled out with a calf injury, and his replacement has yet to be named. Emiliano Martínez's broken finger is not expected to jeopardize his World Cup participation.

Argentina predicted lineup vs. Iceland (4-4-2): Rulli; Molina, Romero, Martínez, Medina; Simeone, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández; Martínez, Paz.

Iceland Predicted Lineup vs. Argentina

Iceland was not without quality during their late 2010s golden era, though the majority of that generation has since moved on from international duty.

Iceland's current squad is made up of lesser-known players competing across Europe. Some may recognize striker Orri Óskarsson, who netted nine goals in La Liga for Real Sociedad during the previous campaign.

Goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson is registered with Brentford and made one Premier League appearance last season. He'll be tasked with keeping out some of the planet's finest players, Messi included, on Tuesday night.

Iceland predicted lineup vs. Argentina (5-4-1): Valdimarsson; Thorhallsson, Grétarsson, Hermannsson, Magnússon, Tómasson; Ellertsson, G. Thordarson, Baldursson, Gudmundsson; Óskarsson.

What Time Does Argentina vs. Iceland Kick Off?

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