Even without Leo Messi, Argentina have far more quality and I expect them to claim a convincing victory here. However, Honduras will be motivated to perform under their new national coach, so I like their chances of grabbing a consolation goal.
Key Stats
- Argentina have won their last 5 matches.
- Argentina have won their last 3 matches against Honduras.
- Honduras have scored 2 goals in their last friendly match against Peru.
Argentina Dominating H2H
Argentina have won all three head to head matches against Honduras so far with a total goal difference 7-1.
First out of Two Test Games for La Albiceleste
Argentina had an impressive run in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, topping the South American table with 38 points from 18 matches (12 wins, two draws, four defeats) and 31-10 goal difference.
They started 2026 with a 2-1 victory against Mauritania in a friendly match, Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Paz finding the net in the first half. The opposition had a lot of space here, registering 11 shots total.
In their most recent clash in early April, La Albiceleste crushed Zambia 5-0 in another friendly. This time, they did a much better job defensively, allowing just one shot on target.
Honduras Under New Leadership
Honduras needed to beat Costa Rica in the final round of WC 2026 qualifiers to earn a spot in the final tournament, but that clash ended in a goalless draw in late November, leaving them second in Group C behind Haiti.
They appointed Jose Francisco Molina as the new national coach in late February.
His debut was in late March, a friendly match against Peru on a neutral venue in Spain. Honduras were behind twice but ultimately got away with a deserved 2-2 draw. They had 2.11-0.88 xG and 12-8 shots.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Argentina (4-3-3) Geronimo Rulli; Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Giovanni Simeone
The world champions have to cope without their iconic captain Lionel Messi, who is sidelined due to ongoing muscle fatigue. Additionally, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is nursing a finger injury, forcing a selection dilemma between Geronimo Rulli and Juan Musso.
The world champions have to cope without their iconic captain Lionel Messi, who is sidelined due to ongoing muscle fatigue. Additionally, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is nursing a finger injury, forcing a selection dilemma between Geronimo Rulli and Juan Musso.
Honduras (4-4-2) Edrick Menjivar; Denil Maldonado, Joseph Rosales, Luis Vega, Carlos Melendez; Edwin Rodriguez, Kervin Arriaga, Jorge Alvarez, David Ruiz; Luis Palma, Rigoberto Rivas
Edwin Rodríguez has the most appearances for Honduras on this roster (46), while Luis Palma is the top scorer with seven goals.
Edwin Rodríguez has the most appearances for Honduras on this roster (46), while Luis Palma is the top scorer with seven goals.