ARGENTINA
Dates confirmed for Argentina’s opening World Cup 2026 qualifying matches
CONMEBOL have announced details for the first two matches of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, where the World Cup holders debut in Buenos Aires against Ecuador.
CONMEBOL have scheduled dates and kick-off times for the opening World Cup Qualifiers as Argentina open their campaign on 8 September against Ecuador at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Lionel Scaloni’s men then visit La Paz on the 12th of the same month to face Bolivia.
There is no change to the format of the South American Qualifiers with all ten teams playing one another on a home and away basis over 18 games. Argentina’s journey to the 2026 World Cup starts at the Monumental Stadium, home to River Plate on Friday, 8 September in Buenos Aires at 7:00 pm ET.
Matchday two will see a trip to Bolivia and the dreaded altitude of La Paz, at the Hernando Siles Stadium the following Tuesday, 12 September at 3:00 p.m. (ET).
The South American Qualifiers will award six and a half places (the seventh team will be involved in an intercontinental playoff)for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, which will make up forty-eight teams and in which the Albiceleste will defend the title won in Qatar on 18 December.