Argentina
Bolivia
Argentina vs Bolivia Predictions, Picks & Odds – 01/10/2026
Argentina vs Bolivia Preview
Argentina return to action for the first time since their agonising extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Lionel Scaloni has signalled a new chapter: Lionel Messi is absent, Cristian Romero wears the armband, and no player will don the number 10 shirt. Four wins in their last five outings underline the squad's depth. Scaloni pairs Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together up front for the first time.
Bolivia arrive in wretched form, losing four of their past five fixtures, including a recent 2-0 reverse against Paraguay. Coach Óscar Villegas is using this cycle to blood younger talent, a necessary project but one that offers little short-term comfort against elite opposition. Discipline has wobbled too, with bookings a recurring theme. Facing a wounded Argentina side eager to channel World Cup heartbreak into a statement performance makes this an unenviable assignment for La Verde.
Argentina's dominance in this fixture is overwhelming. They have won 12 of the last 17 head-to-head meetings, kept three consecutive clean sheets against Bolivia, and their recent form reads four victories in five outings. The home win at 1.07 reflects that superiority. Bolivia, meanwhile, have lost four matches on the bounce, offering little reason to believe they can trouble the Albiceleste here.
Scaloni's decision to pair Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together in attack is significant. That forward line carries genuine goal threat, and against a Bolivian side in dismal form, the over 2.5 goals market at 1.30 looks attractive. Argentina possess the quality to breach a fragile defence multiple times, particularly with creative freedom in a friendly setting.
The recommended pick is a straightforward home win at 1.07, backed by the over 2.5 goals selection at 1.30. Bolivia's poor discipline and losing run suggest they lack the organisation to contain Argentina's attacking depth. With Cristian Romero captaining a side eager to channel World Cup heartbreak into a positive response, expect a comfortable evening for the hosts. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Argentina vs Bolivia
- Argentina won 12 of last 17 meetings
- Bolivia lost four consecutive matches recently
- Argentina kept three straight clean sheets
Form & Statistics: Argentina vs Bolivia
Argentina
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Bolivia
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Argentina vs Bolivia
Argentina
Starters
- 1 Emiliano Martínez
- 2 Agustín Giay
- 3 Cristian Romero
- 4 Lisandro Martínez
- 5 Facundo Medina
- 6 Alexis Mac Allister
- 7 Exequiel Palacios
- 8 Nicolás Paz
- 9 Valentín Barco
- 10 Julián Álvarez
- 11 Lautaro Martínez
Bench
- Walter Benítez
- Franco Armani
- Gonzalo Montiel
- Nahuel Molina
- Nicolás Otamendi
- Germán Pezzella
- Lucas Martínez Quarta
- Marcos Acuña
- Francisco Ortega
- Guido Rodríguez
- Rodrigo De Paul
- Giovani Lo Celso
- Nicolás González
- Paulo Dybala
- Ángel Di María
- Lucas Ocampos
- Matías Soulé
- Santiago Castro
- Franco Mastantuono
Absent
- Lionel Messi (Rest/Farewell match scheduled for October 6, not this game.)
- Enzo Fernández (Suspension (red card in World Cup final).)
- Leandro Paredes (Suspension (10-game ban for post-match scuffle in World Cup final).)
- Juan Foyth (Injury.)
- Thiago Almada (Injury.)
Bolivia
Starters
- 1 Guillermo Viscarra
- 2 Diego Medina Román
- 3 Efraín Morales
- 4 Diego Arroyo
- 5 Luis Haquín
- 6 Roberto Fernández
- 7 Miguel Terceros
- 8 Héctor Cuéllar
- 9 Carlos Melgar
- 10 Gabriel Villamil
- 11 Fernando Nava
Bench
- Carlos Lampe
- Rodrigo Banegas
- Marcelo Torrez
- Yomar Rocha
- Leonardo Zabala
- Richet Gomez
- Ramiro Vaca
- Moisés Paniagua
- Robson Matheus
- José Flores
- Enzo Monteiro
- Victor Ábrego
Medium confidence
A mirror image of formations sets the stage here, with both sides lining up in a 4-4-2 that promises a direct, structured contest. Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez form a potent Argentine strike partnership, and the midfield battle across the centre of the pitch will likely determine the tempo.
Bolivia arrive as considerable underdogs but their compact shape offers a platform to frustrate the hosts in the early stages. Argentina's depth on the bench, laden with experienced internationals, gives Scaloni considerable flexibility should the match require a change of approach after the interval.
How to Watch Argentina vs Bolivia Match?
What time is Argentina vs Bolivia?
Argentina vs Bolivia kicks off at 01:00 BST on Wednesday 1 October 2026 at the Estadio Juan Domingo Perón.
Where is Argentina vs Bolivia being played?
This fixture takes place at the Estadio Juan Domingo Perón in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
How Can I Watch Argentina vs Bolivia on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings for broadcast details, as coverage varies by region for this friendly international fixture.
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