Iceland have struggled in the WC 2026 qualifiers and in their friendlies this year, looking clueless offensively in a recent loss to Japan. I am backing Argentina to extend their winning streak and to win to nil.
Key Stats
- Argentina have won to nil in 5 of their last 6 matches.
- Iceland have lost 3 of their last 5 matches.
One Previous Meeting
These two sides locked horns once in the World Cup 2018.
World Champions on a Hot Run
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, followed by another win over Zambia 5-0 a couple of days later (allowed just one shot on target).
Last week, Argentina delivered a strong performance in a friendly match against Honduras, winning 2-0. They had 2.28-0.15 expected goals, 72% possession and 8-0 shots on target.
Iceland Will Miss the World Cup 2026
Iceland had a disappointing run in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, finishing 3rd in Group D behind France and Ukraine, winning just two out of six encounters.
They played four international friendlies so far this year, starting with a 4-0 loss to Mexico in late February, followed by back to back draws against Canada 2-2 and Haiti 1-1 in late March.
Last week, Iceland faced Japan in another friendly clash where they failed to create a single goal opportunity, suffering a 1-0 loss and allowing seven shots on target.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Argentina (4-4-2) Juan Musso; Agustin Giay, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Gonzalez; Lautaro Martinez, Thiago Almada
Leo Messi is likely to start on bench once again to preserve fitness, so Lautaro Martinez and Thiago Almada are expected to lead the offense. Emiliano Martinez is still not fully fit after recovering from a finger injury.
Leo Messi is likely to start on bench once again to preserve fitness, so Lautaro Martinez and Thiago Almada are expected to lead the offense. Emiliano Martinez is still not fully fit after recovering from a finger injury.
Iceland (5-4-1) Hakon Valdimarsson; Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, Daniel Leo Gretarsson, Hjortur Hermannsson, Hordur Magnusson, Logi Tomasson; Mikael Egill Ellertsson, Gisli Thordarson, Andri Baldursson, Johann Berg Gudmundsson; Orri Oskarsson
Gylfi Sigurdsson has the most appearances for Iceland on this roster (85) but is expected to start on bench.
Gylfi Sigurdsson has the most appearances for Iceland on this roster (85) but is expected to start on bench.